9/11/2024 Indonesia (International Christian Concern) — Authorities in Indonesia recently arrested seven Muslims for planning to assassinate Pope Francis. The suspects, arrested on Sept. 2 and Sept. 3, are from Jakarta, Bogor, Bekasi, and other surrounding areas. Reports indicate the suspects had reportedly sworn allegiance to the Islamic State group (ISIS).  

The announcement comes days after Indonesia’s anti-terrorism unit arrested two members of the Islamic extremist group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). That same day, Pope Francis urged Indonesia’s leaders to be vigilant against religious extremism.  

Local reports indicate the seven suspects were infuriated with the pope’s visit to Istiqlal mosque, the largest mosque in Southeast Asia. They were also angry that the Islamic call to prayer was halted during a live TV broadcast of the pope’s visit to Jakarta.  

Indonesian police raided the suspects’ homes and confiscated targets, bows and arrows, drones, weapons, and ISIS literature. Pope Francis, who left Indonesia last week, continues his 12-day trip through Southeast Asia, including stops in East Timor, Papua New Guinea, and Singapore. 

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