Columbia International Affairs Online: Policy Briefs

CIAO DATE: 08/2010

Indonesia: The Dark Side of Jama'ah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT)

July 2010

International Crisis Group

Abstract

Jama’ah Ansharut Tauhid (JAT), led by Indonesia’s bestknown radical cleric Abu Bakar Ba’asyir, has been an enigma since its founding in 2008. An ostensibly aboveground organisation, it has embraced individuals with known ties to fugitive extremists. It has welcomed many members of the militant Jema’ah Islamiyah (JI) but clashed with the JI leadership over strategy and tactics.