Indonesia's counter-terrorism unit has arrested Yudi Lukito Kurniawan, suspected of plotting a terror attack on the Singapore Exchange building in 2014. Yudi, an Indonesian national affiliated with Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP), was apprehended on 21 August 2024. According to Aswin Siregar, a spokesperson for the counter-terror unit, Yudi claimed he was instructed by a senior AQAP member to carry out the attack. In 2015, Yudi attempted to enter Singapore via sea but was rejected by Singaporean immigration and deported to Batam.

Background

Upon Yudi's arrest, Indonesian officials seized evidence, including a pamphlet from a banned organisation, a passport, and an immigration document from Singapore. The Straits Times reported that the immigration document was a refusal of entry notice from 2015, indicating Yudi's ineligibility under current immigration policies. An anonymous source close to the investigation suggested that authorities are developing a case to determine Yudi's role within terror networks. The planned attack on the Singapore Exchange was allegedly intended as an indirect strike against the United States, as AQAP views Singapore as a geographically close U.S. ally. Although Singapore is not a formal treaty ally of the U.S., it remains a Major Security Cooperation Partner.

Rejected from entering Singapore in 2015

In 2015, Yudi attempted to enter Singapore via sea but was rejected by Singaporean immigration and deported to Batam. The Straits Times noted that the immigration document seized during his arrest was a refusal of entry notice from 2015, highlighting his ineligibility under current immigration policies. This document is crucial as it links Yudi's past attempts to enter Singapore with his current arrest, providing a timeline of his activities and intentions.

Terrorism threat to Singapore remains high

The Singapore Terrorism Threat Assessment Report 2024 stated that while there is no indication of an imminent attack, the terrorism threat to Singapore remains high. Since July 2023, the Internal Security Department (ISD) has dealt with three self-radicalisation cases. Islamist terrorism, particularly from the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) and Al-Qaeda, remains a significant global threat. On 30 June, the senior leadership of Al-Qaeda-aligned Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) announced the group's dissolution, pledging to adhere to Indonesian laws and remove extremist content from its teachings. However, the ISD warned that splinter groups within JI might still pose a threat, as some members may continue to pursue the group's ultimate ambition of establishing an Islamic caliphate in Southeast Asia.

Ongoing vigilance and future implications

The ISD emphasised that the terrorism threat to Singapore is very real and remains high. "We continue to be viewed as an attractive target and continue to detect self-radicalised individuals within our communities," the ISD stated. The arrest of Yudi Lukito Kurniawan underscores the persistent threat posed by extremist groups in the region. Singaporean authorities are coordinating closely with their Indonesian counterparts to address this ongoing threat. The dissolution of JI's senior leadership may lead to further fragmentation within the group, potentially increasing the risk of isolated attacks. Singapore must remain vigilant and proactive in counter-terrorism efforts to safeguard its national security.