ICC Note:

In 2015 a group estimated that there are 1,200 to 1,800 Southeast Asian fighters fighting for ISIS in the Middle East, with a majority of them coming from Indonesia. It is believed that already 50 have returned to their home country. Although ISIS itself does not pose a threat to Indonesia, the returnees may easily add to the growing Islamic radicalism that is spreading throughout Indonesia. This carries particular concern for Christians, many of whom are already worshipping and practicing their faith entirely underground in a nation where religious freedom is purportedly protected by the government. The fact is, legal protections for religious minorities are not lacking, but the government’s will to enforce them are. Cases of religious violence are on the rise and religious rights abuses are often being perpetrated by the local government.

3/18/2017 Indonesia (The Diplomat) – As Islamic State (ISIS) loses territory in its base, northern Iraq and eastern Syria, fresh concerns about returning foreign fighters have mounted in Southeast Asia. In December 2015, the Soufan Group estimated that some 900 Southeast Asian fighters, with a majority from Indonesia, had traveled to Syria and Iraq to join the fight. Official estimates from Southeast Asian intelligence agencies placed the number between 1,200-1,800. While it is difficult to estimate precisely how many fighters from the region are currently participating, the Straits Times reported most recently that some 392 Indonesians are believed to be fighting for ISIS in Syria. Malaysians have also been seen in ISIS videos, but they are believed to constitute a distinct second to Indonesian fighters.

However, not all Southeast Asian who have traveled to ISIS-controlled territory are fighters. It appears that some 45 percent of the numbers estimated are women and children who have accompanied the men fighting in the Levant. Estimates also include those who have gone to fight alongside other rebel groups, including Jabhat-al-Nusra.

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