JAKARTA, Jan. 22 (UPI) -- A report by the International Crisis Group says that despite corruption and other issues, jihadi violence in Indonesia may have come to an end.
Officials say the report, "Indonesia: Tackling Radicalism in Poso," is an analysis of the past year in Indonesia after police operations in Poso, Central Sulawesi, led to the death, arrest or flight of extremists leaders. The report says that despite continuing justice, accountability and corruption issues, Indonesia's deradicalization initiatives have given way to some optimism in the country.
"Despite remaining questions about whether the death toll was needlessly high, the operations have to be seen as a net gain for peace," Sidney Jones, Crisis Group senior adviser, said in a statement. "Now the task is to see that the peace is sustained."
The report examines the current status of the jihadi groups that only a year ago were dominant in Poso. Officials say jihadi recruitment efforts by terrorist groups are reportedly no longer taking place openly in mosques, though some critics say the recruitment effort may have moved to private homes.
The report also cites the success of a number of initiatives aimed at diminishing the influence of extremist elements including a vocational training program and the financing of trips by family members to Jakarta to see jailed relatives among others.
While terrorist leaders have largely been forced out, several remain at large. Critics remain concerned about corruption in the post-conflict area.
"The whiff -- or stench -- of corruption has long hung over Poso, and it undermines public trust in government more generally," said John Virgoe, Crisis Group Southeast Asia project director. "If corruption can be brought under control and the deradicalization initiatives take hold, then perhaps the residents of Poso will have reason for hope."
