Evidence of Splinter Groups Getting Organised Following Dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah
Ministry of Home AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns MP Alex Yam Ziming’s inquiry regarding potential splinter groups following Jemaah Islamiyah’s (JI) dissolution, regional intelligence collaboration, and Singapore's current security threat assessment. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam responded that while the dissolution is a major success, factions committed to armed jihad may still emerge, similar to past JI splinter cells. He highlighted that local security agencies continue to monitor the network closely and maintain strong partnerships with foreign counterparts for regular intelligence exchanges. Minister for Home Affairs K Shanmugam stated that Singapore’s terrorism threat assessment remains high as the nation is still viewed as an attractive target by radicalised elements. Security measures are therefore regularly enhanced, and the public is urged to stay vigilant and report suspicious activities to the authorities to help keep Singapore safe.
Transcript
18 Mr Alex Yam Ziming asked the Minister for Home Affairs (a) whether there is evidence of splinter groups from the dissolution of Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) getting organised; (b) how close is the transboundary collaboration between the respective intelligence agencies in this region on sharing such intelligence; and (c) what is the security threat assessment to Singapore post-dissolution of JI.
Mr K Shanmugam: The reported dissolution of the terrorist group, Jemaah Islamiyah (JI), is a significant development and a major success for Indonesia’s counter-terrorism efforts.
The longer-term impact, however, remains to be seen. There may be factions within the JI who disagree with the dissolution and are still committed to armed jihad. While there is currently no specific information on this, the JI’s history may be instructive. JI splinter cells had reportedly been responsible for several major attacks in the past in Indonesia, such as the bombings in Bali and Jakarta in the 2000s.
Our security agencies will continue to monitor the JI network closely. They have forged strong partnerships with their foreign counterparts and maintain regular intelligence exchanges.
The terrorism threat to Singapore remains high. While there is currently no intelligence of an ongoing plot or imminent attack against Singapore, we know we continue to be viewed as an attractive target by terrorists and radicalised elements. Our security measures are, therefore, regularly reviewed and enhanced. On their part, members of the public should remain vigilant and report any suspicious persons or activities to the authorities and help keep Singapore safe and secure.