Indonesia's Chief Security Minister Wiranto Injured in Knife Assault in Banten
Wiranto, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal, and Security Affairs, was injured in a knife assault on Thursday morning (10.10.2019) when he arrived for a visit at a local Islamic university in Pandeglang (Banten). Reportedly, one police officer as well as one aide of Wiranto were also injured in the attack.
Two people - a married couple - have been arrested. The man originates from Medan (North Sumatra), while the woman is from Brebes (Central Jawa). Authorities say there are no other suspects involved in this attack. It is being investigated whether this attack is an ISIS-inspired act of terrorism.
Preliminary reports state that the man has been exposed to radical teachings and is affiliated with the Islamic State-linked militant group Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD). According to Indonesia's State Intelligence Agency (BIN) the man had been monitored for a while before attacking Wiranto.
After the attack Wiranto was immediately rushed to a local hospital before being flown by helicopter to Gatot Subroto hospital in Jakarta where he is being treated for two "rather deep" wounds to the left side of his abdomen. Based on reports in local Indonesian media Wiranto was conscious when he entered hospital.
Wiranto, who like many Indonesians goes by one name, is reportedly in stable condition. In the late afternoon on Thursday (10.10.2019), Indonesian President Joko Widodo informed the press that Wiranto was still undergoing surgery.
Picture above: Wiranto being transported to Jakarta's Gatot Subroto hospital (source: Kompas TV)