The Straits Times, Jan 7, 2005
Radical group sets up relief camp in Aceh
A RADICAL Islamic group linked to the alleged leader of the regional terror group
Jemaah Islamiah (JI) has set up a relief operation in tsunami-stricken Aceh, and
regional terror expert Sidney Jones warns the group could be trying to stir up
anti-American sentiment there.
Laskar Mujahidin has set up a camp close to those of hundreds of other local and
international volunteers at the military airport in Banda Aceh under a sign that reads
'Islamic Law Enforcement'.
The airport is full of international troops and aid workers helping the province recover
from the disaster.
The group campaigns for an Islamic state in Indonesia and is fiercely anti-American.
About 50 members are in Aceh, collecting corpses still buried, distributing food and
spreading Islamic teachings among refugees in the city, one of its members said
yesterday. They would not interfere with foreign troops - as long as they kept strictly
to humanitarian operations.
'We are here to help our Muslim brothers,' said Jundi, who like many Indonesians
goes by a single name.
Laskar Mujahidin forms the security arm of a larger much group, the Majelis Mujahidin
Indonesia, which was once headed by Islamic cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, who is
currently on trial.
Addressing a conference in Singapore Ms Jones said Laskar Mujahidin was raising
concern - among local residents - that 'the presence of US and Australian troops in
Aceh to help the humanitarian aid effort masks a hidden agenda' of converting people
to Christianity.
Members of another group, known as the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) - better known
in Jakarta for its thuggish behaviour - have joined those from Laskar Mujahidin.
'They appear to see their role not only as helping victims, but as guarding against kafir
- infidel - influence,' Ms Jones said.
However, she noted that such groups enjoy little support in Aceh. Native Acehnese
'don't like non-Acehnese telling them how to think', she said. -- ASSOCIATED
PRESS
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