'Laskar Jihad' members sent to Ambon

'Laskar Jihad' members sent to Ambon

YOGYAKARTA (JP): As many as 3,000 members of the so-called
Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah popularly known as Laskar Jihad will
leave for Ambon on Sunday through the Surabaya seaport on Tanjung
Perak, its commander said.

Speaking to The Jakarta Post in his residence in Ngemplak,
Sleman regency, some 15 kilometers north of here on Saturday,
Ja'far Umar Thalib said that many people would go at their own
expense via public transports.

Previously they would leave together in a big convoy for
Surabaya, "but local security officers suggested that they not
cause traffic congestion."

"None of them carry weapons or guns. Their weapons are
religious books. They are supposed to be propagators," Ja'far
Umar said.

He stated that 149 members left for Ambon on April 26. "They
prepared everything there prior to the arrival of the other 3,000
members. One thing that everybody should be aware of is we don't
want to fight. We are giving religious (Islamic) teachings to our
brother Muslims there."

It would take around three days for them (the 3,000 members)
to go from Surabaya to Maluku. "As soon as they reach Ambon they
will be placed in separate areas in Maluku or North Maluku,
depending on the demand."

According to Ja'far, the daily expenses for the 3,000 Laskar
Jihad members in Maluku would reach Rp 25 million a day,
including accommodation and meals.

"The money comes from the organization, and donations from
those who are symphathetic to us."

"In principle, we don't want to burden the locals. Yet we have
planned social works, donating food, clothes and medicines. Seven
doctors and ten paramedics are among the 3,000 members."
(swa/sur)