JAKARTA, RAKYAT NEWS – The Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) is raising concerns over the potential return of former combatants such as Satria Kumbara to the country. According to Sudaryanto, Deputy for Prevention, Protection, and Deradicalization at BNPT, the agency is closely monitoring such requests amid fears that they could be used as a new channel for terrorist infiltration.

Satria Kumbara, a former member of the Indonesian Navy’s Marine Corps, had previously joined as a mercenary in the Russian military.

He recently expressed his desire to return to Indonesia after serving on the front lines of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. His case has drawn public and governmental attention, prompting authorities to consider broader implications.

“We are cautious because we are aware that Russia hosts Foreign Terrorist Fighters (FTFs). We have mechanisms in place—before the border, at the border, and after the border,” Sudaryanto stated during a public meeting in Temanggung, Central Java, on August 7.

He emphasized that BNPT’s responsibility lies in the post-border phase, particularly focusing on deradicalization efforts.

If a returnee is suspected of terrorism-related activities, BNPT will begin by identifying the individual and assessing their legal standing. If found to be involved in criminal activities, the individual will be handed over to the police and judiciary for prosecution under Indonesia’s Anti-Terrorism Law No. 5 of 2018.

On the other hand, if the individual has no pending criminal cases, BNPT will initiate a deradicalization process. This effort aims to transform extremist views into more moderate beliefs aligned with societal values. The program is part of Indonesia’s broader strategy to prevent future acts of terrorism through rehabilitation.