Indonesia tightens security around Daesh-linked inmate

By Ainur Rohmah

TUBAN, Indonesia (AA) – Indonesian authorities have tightened security around the prison cell of an inmate believed to have radicalized a 21-year-old who injured three policemen in a knife attack near Jakarta last week.

National police spokesman Boy Rafli Amar told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday that police have coordinated with officials in the island prison of Nusakambangan in Central Java province to tighten supervision around Aman Abdurrahman -- also known as Oman.

"It's not easy anymore to visit Oman, only close family [are able to visit him]," said Amar.

Amar said that Sultan Azianzah, who died of gunshot wounds sustained after stabbing three officers Thursday, had a “close relationship” with Abdurrahman, who is serving a nine-year prison sentence for his role in setting up a militant training camp in Aceh province.

According to authorities, Azianzah visited Abdurrahman at the prison in June 2015 and then pledged allegiance to Daesh.

"At that time, security at the prison had not been tightened," Amar said Tuesday, added that Abdurrahman is currently under maximum security to cut him off from extremist networks.

Despite being behind bars, authorities believe Abdurrahman is in charge of an umbrella organization of extremist groups supporting Daesh.

Police also suspect that Abdurrahman masterminded an attack that killed eight people -- including four Daesh-affiliated assailants -- in Jakarta in January.

Indonesia has been under pressure to toughen anti-terrorism legislation and supervision at prisons, while also being criticized by rights groups for not sufficiently protecting the rights of suspects.

In January, the government drew up plans for tougher anti-terrorism laws.