Indonesia: 19 suspected Daesh militants arrested
Ahead of Christmas, New Year holidays, security forces also tighten security in churches across the country
Indonesian security forces have arrested 19 people allegedly linked with the terrorist group Daesh in the last three days in an attempt to reduce the risk of attacks during the holiday season.
National Police spokesman, Insp. Gen. Setyo Wasisto told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that 19 militants were arrested between Dec. 9 and 11 in East Java, Pekanbaru, and the South Sumatra province.
"Until now, there has been no threat of terror, but we are taking preventative action," said Wasisto.
He said the majority of militants had links to Daesh members who were arrested earlier.
According to Wasisto, there are fears the bombing in New York on Monday could inspire militants in Indonesia. Officials have urged people to be alert and report to the police anything suspicious.
Security around churches has also been tightened, he said.
About 10 percent of Indonesia's population of approximately 265 million is Christian.
Simultaneous bombings in capital Jakarta and surrounding areas on Christmas Eve 2000 killed nearly 20 people.
Indonesia has been on alert against extremist activities in recent years, further heightening security measures after a January 2016 attack left eight people -- including four Daesh-linked suspects -- dead in the capital.
