Country Reports on Terrorism 2014 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid
| Publisher | United States Department of State |
| Publication Date | 19 June 2015 |
| Cite as | United States Department of State, Country Reports on Terrorism 2014 - Foreign Terrorist Organizations: Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid, 19 June 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5587c7263a.html [accessed 6 June 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
aka JAT; Jemmah Ansharut Tauhid; Jem'mah Ansharut Tauhid; Jamaah Ansharut Tauhid; Jama'ah Ansharut Tauhid; Laskar 99
Description: The Department of State designated Indonesia-based group Jemaah Anshorut Tauhid (JAT) as a Foreign Terrorist Organization on March 13, 2012. Formed in 2008, JAT seeks to establish an Islamic caliphate in Indonesia, and has carried out numerous attacks on Indonesian government personnel, police, military, and civilians. In 2011, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, the founder and leader of JAT, was convicted and sentenced to 15 years in prison for his role in organizing a militant training camp in Aceh. Ba'asyir is also the co-founder and former leader of Jemaah Islamiya (JI). JAT maintains ties to JI and other indigenous terrorist groups in Southeast Asia.
Activities: JAT has conducted multiple attacks targeting civilians and Indonesian officials, resulting in the deaths of several Indonesian police. JAT has robbed banks and carried out other illicit activities to fund the purchase of assault weapons, ammunition, explosives, and bomb-making materials. In October 2012, two policemen investigating an alleged terrorist camp linked to JAT were tortured and found dead in Poso, and authorities implicated JAT in the killings. In December 2012, four police officers were killed and two wounded in an attack by suspected local JAT members in Central Sulawesi after a group of 10 to 15 gunmen ambushed a police patrol in the area. In 2013, Indonesian authorities conducted two raids that killed five JAT members who had fled Poso after they had killed several police officers. Police found a pipe bomb and other bomb-making materials at the JAT camp.
In July 2014, Abu Bakar Ba'asyir pledged allegiance to ISIL and instructed his followers to fight with ISIL. JAT members are fighting in Syria, and Indonesian authorities have arrested some JAT members upon their return.
Strength: JAT is estimated to have several thousand supporters and members.
Location/Area of Operation: JAT is based in Indonesia with suspected elements in Malaysia and the Philippines.
Funding and External Aid: JAT raises funds through membership donations; bank robberies, cyber hacking, and other illicit activities; and legitimate business activities such as operating bookstores and other shops.
