In the wake of ongoing global conflicts, the presence of Indonesian fighters in Syria remains a pressing issue, raising questions about safety, citizenship, and national security. The Indonesian government faces a challenging decision regarding the fate of its citizens who have joined various militant groups in Syria, including the Islamic State and Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS). With approximately 800 Indonesians still in the conflict zone, some have found new roles within the Syrian national army under the new government, while others hope to secure Syrian citizenship for themselves and their families. Meanwhile, the Indonesian government has initiated a repatriation process involving identification, screening, and rehabilitation to address the complexities surrounding these individuals' return.
A 2020 report by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) highlighted the potential threat posed by foreign fighters returning home. It noted that those who returned from the Soviet-Afghanistan war in the 1980s contributed to the rise of violent extremist movements globally, including Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) in Malaysia and Indonesia. This historical context heightens concerns about the return of Indonesian fighters from Syria.
The Indonesian government has not yet clarified its stance on the newly established Syrian government. Rolliansyah Soemirat, spokesman for Indonesia's Foreign Ministry, stated that it remains uncertain whether the current Syrian administration is legitimate.
“As far as I know, there are less than 100 Indonesians in the city of Idlib where I live,” – Ali
Ali, an Indonesian living in Syria, indicated that while many Indonesians remain in conflict areas, not all are active combatants. Nevertheless, some have taken up significant roles within militant organizations.
“They are assigned to various tasks, some are squad commanders, mortar launchers, and snipers,” – Ali
The complexity of this situation is further compounded by allegations against some Indonesians in Syria for collecting donations from fellow Indonesians to fund terror organizations. These individuals reportedly contribute to entities such as Huras as-Din, a pro-Al Qaeda splinter group from HTS.
“Indonesian charities have contributed to Huras as-Din, a pro-AQ (Al Qaeda) splinter from HTS, while Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia supporters are more supportive of the Hizbut Tahrir group in Syria,” – Adlini Ilma Ghaisany Sjah
Efforts to manage this intricate issue include a proposed repatriation process for troubled Indonesians abroad. This initiative aims to facilitate their return through a structured three-stage process: Pre-border identification, at-the-border screening and verification, and post-border rehabilitation and deradicalization.
“Effective prevention, monitoring, and deradicalisation programmes are key in this rehabilitation process,” – Makmun
The Indonesian government has established a cross-ministerial task force to handle matters related to foreign fighter-associated citizens. This task force addresses security concerns while considering humanitarian aspects.
Noor Huda Ismail, an expert on terrorism, warned about the potential risks if these fighters are not repatriated. He emphasized that without intervention, they might become further entrenched in terror networks abroad.
“If not repatriated, Indonesian foreign fighters may become further entrenched in the terror networks abroad, where they could spread propaganda and recruit more Indonesians into such networks, and will be much harder to monitor and control.” – Noor Huda Ismail
The risk of returnees galvanizing extremism at home remains a concern for Southeast Asian governments. The networks formed by these individuals in Iraq and Syria could strengthen regional and international terror links.
“Southeast Asian governments are concerned that returnees may galvanise extremism at home and that the networks they have formed in Iraq and Syria may strengthen regional and international terror links,” – United Nations Development Program (UNDP) report
Despite these concerns, many Indonesians in Syria express a desire to remain settled under the new Syrian regime. Some have built families and integrated into local communities.
“Because I did not go to Syria to return home, but to stay forever. I am married here and have children.” – AF
AF’s sentiments reflect a broader dilemma faced by many Indonesians who have forged new lives in Syria. They express no intent to harm Indonesia but rather seek stability within their current environment.
“There is no intention whatsoever to cause harm in Indonesia because I was born there, my parents are there”. – AF
Yusril Ihza Mahendra clarified that Indonesians affiliated with HTS still retain their Indonesian citizenship status.
“Thus, Indonesian citizens who are members of HTS have not lost the citizenship of the Republic of Indonesia, their citizenship status is still Indonesian,” – Yusril Ihza Mahendra
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