by Abu Hanifah
JAKARTA, July 4 (Xinhua) -- Indonesia has launched a more intensive coordinated watch on nationals returning from Syria by forcing them into a month-long de-radicalization program, following several Islamic State (IS)-related attacks that occurred in the country.
Close monitoring measures would also be applied against them by assuring domiciles, aimed at easing the efforts to tracking down suspects involving in possible attacks.
"Soon after they arrived here, we will identify them first and bring them to the de-radicalization program center. They will undergo the program here in one month before returning to families across the country," Head of Indonesian government anti-terror desk Suhardi Alius said.
The verification process is necessary to identify nationals who were combatants in IS-related conflicts.
A number of Indonesian nationals have travelled to Syria and joined IS in the past several years.
Indonesia would also strengthen cooperation with countries considered gateway to Syria, including Turkey.
"We expect the Turkish government can provide quicker information on Indonesian nationals planning to return to Indonesia from Turkey," Alius added.
Alius said the coordinated program was part of Indonesia's plan following intensive international military campaigns in IS strongholds in Syria and Iraq at present.
Mounting pressure on IS may prompt the group to find new bases, including in Indonesia, to accommodate their causes and activities, said the official.
Indonesian Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumala said that his ministry has issued orders to regional governments across the country for the monitoring measures.
"We have issued the orders to mayors to closely monitor those who returned to their jurisdiction areas. Regional officials have been told to take the returnees to homes for the monitoring task," the minister said.
The monitoring efforts would be carried out by task forces set up by municipalities, the minister said.
Indonesia has seen violent attacks conducted by members of groups which have stated their allegiance to IS in the last few weeks. Several police personnel were killed and sustained serious injuries in the attacks.
