The Jakarta Embassy Bombing
Jemaah Islamiyah's Return?
SWP Comment 2004/C 26, 15.09.2004, 4 Pages Research AreasJemaah Islamiyah's Return?
SWP Comment 2004/C 26, 15.09.2004, 4 Pages Research AreasThe September 9 bomb attack in front of the Australian embassy in Jakarta signals a comeback of the Southeast Asian terror network, Jemaah Islamiyah, that had suffered setbacks in its struggle with Indonesian security forces in 2003 and that some had already pronounced dead. Much as with the March 2004 Madrid train bombings, the timing of the assault prior to Indonesia's presidential and Australia's parliamentary elections betrays an intention to influence democratic processes. In more general terms, both Indonesia and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been affected by investigative and cooperative deficits that threaten to weaken regional cohesion and to turn Southeast Asia into an object of contention among neighbouring great powers.