#1 Jakarta Hotel Bombings 709

Overseas Security Advisory Council

Jakarta Hotel Attacks July 17, 2009

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The Attack

• At least 9 people killed • As many as 50 injured, including 8 U.S. citizens • Numbers could fluctuate

• Marriott Hotel • Ritz-Carlton

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The Attack (continued) • Bomb at the JW Marriott was detonated at 7:45am in a restaurant on the ground floor to the right of the lobby • Bomb at the Ritz-Carlton reportedly detonated inside restaurant on the third floor ten minutes later • Facades at both hotels suffered significant damage

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The Attack (continued) • An unexploded bomb and other bomb-making materials were found in room 1808 at the JW Marriott hotel • The bomb and materials were subsequently rendered safe

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The Attack (continued) • Police suspect two suicide bombers carried out attacks from inside the hotels • One bomber, possibly more, was believed to be a guest at the JW Marriott Hotel • Indonesian authorities suspect the bomber(s) checked into room 1808 at the JW Marriott to set up bombs

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Analysis

• It is unclear who is behind the attack – President of Indonesia blames “terrorists”

• Indonesian terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) suspected – Many experts suspect Noordin Top – Implicated in every major attack in Indonesia since 2002 Bali bombings – Noordin Top is known to have supported mass casualty attacks despite dissent within JI ranks

• A top Indonesian police official reported explosives were similar to those found in a recent raid in West Java on a home linked to Noordin Top Noordin M. Top

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Background on Jemaah Islamiyah • Militant Islamic group operating in several Southeast Asian nations • Believed to have been founded in the early 1990s • Goal is to create a Pan-Islamic state across much of the region • Extensive history of terrorism in Indonesia

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A Timeline of Recent JI Attacks •

2002, October: Massive car bomb and back-pack mounted bomb explodes in one Bali night club and outside another, killing 202 people and injuring hundreds more

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2003, August: Car bomb explodes outside of the JW Marriott in Jakarta, killing 12 people and injuring 150

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2004, September: Car bomb explodes outside of Australian Embassy, killing 11 and wounding over 160

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2005, October: Three suicide bombers attack tourist destinations in Bali, killing 20 people and injuring an additional 129

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Indonesia’s Fight Against Terror • Since the 2002 Bali Bombings, Indonesia has had great success in fighting JI – Created the anti-terror unit Special Detachment 88 (SD 88) in 2002

• SD 88 was responsible for killing or capturing several key leaders of JI – Dozens of key operatives captured in the past three years

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Current Situation/Government Response

• The government has deployed security guards at strategic points throughout Jakarta • These points include the energy infrastructure and airports • It is suspected that upscale hotels in Jakarta will implement rigorous bag inspections and enhanced screening of all incoming guests

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Private Sector Response • Majority of constituents report no change in travel policy • However, vigilance is being exercised and the situation is being monitored

• Many constituents are going to business-essential travel only • A few constituents have reported suspending travel • Most conducted early releases on Friday and have closed offices until Tuesday

• Some companies warning employees to stay away from sites that typically attract Westerners

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Further Information/Contact

Reports: • Warden Message: Update - Jakarta Hotel Bombings • Warden Message: Jakarta Hotel Bombings

Josh Richards Regional Coordinator, East Asia & Pacific [email protected] 571-345-2233