ICG corrects report on JI

JAKARTA: Responding to a complaint filed by Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin, the International Crisis Group (ICG) has revised its latest report on Jamaah Islamiyah's operations in Indonesia.

ICG reported recently that Fauzi Hasbi, a JI member of Aceh province, maintained regular communications with Sjafrie since he surrendered to the military in 1979.

The ICG made it clear in its revision that "Hasbi had communications with Major General Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin as recently as 2000".

It also revised its report that Hasbi's first meeting with the general occurred when he surrendered in 1977.

Sjafrie earlier threatened to sue the non-governmental organization if it failed to correct his role in the report, saying that "the report could cause public misinterpretation as it links me to Jamaah Islamiyah".

Following the Bali bomb blasts on Oct. 12, Jamaah Islamiyah was declared a terrorist organization as it is believed to have close links with the international terrorist group al-Qaeda, led by Osama bin Laden. The group is also suspected of playing a role in the Bali blasts. --JP