Operation Madago Raya
Operation Madago Raya (Indonesian: Operasi Madago Raya),[7] previously known as Operation Tinombala, is a joint police–military operation conducted by the Indonesian National Police and the Indonesian Armed Forces to capture and/or eliminate members of Mujahidin Indonesia Timur (MIT), an Indonesian terrorist group which supports ISIL and was commanded by Santoso. In 2016, the Indonesian military and police succeeded in killing Santoso, but the then Chief of the National Police Tito Karnavian continued the operation to ensure the region's safety from the remaining members of the group.[8] Central Sulawesi governor Longki Djanggola praised the operation for its relatively humane methods, since several leaders of the group were successfully captured alive. Only 19 militants were however captured alive, while more than 40 were killed.[9]
As of October 2022, the operation extended until December 2022,[10] and the operation is currently undergoing phasing out phase.[11] Starting from January 2023, the operation's objective changed to restoring civil order and rehabilitating society from the damage caused by the group and its operation.[12]
Background[edit]
The operation was commenced by the Indonesian government to eradicate the MIT and prevent them from spreading terror to Indonesian and foreign citizens in Central Sulawesi. The operation, a continuation of both Operation Camar Maleo I & II, began in early March 2016 and is still ongoing.[13] In 2014, MIT pledged their allegiance to ISIL and became a terrorist group. Their main figurehead was Santoso, though after his death and the arrests of other leaders, the remaining eleven members hid in the jungles surrounding Poso, Central Sulawesi. On 17 February 2021, the operation was renamed to Operation Madago Raya.[14]
As of May 19, 2022, the number of militants killed during the operation was of 49. Forty one of those killed were East Indonesia Mujahideen members, while six were members of the Turkistan Islamic Party and the rest coming from other parts of Indonesia. At least 19 more were arrested.[28]