Indonesian pilots suspected of 'IS' support

Australian authorities believe that two Indonesian pilots may pose a security threat after being radicalized by the self-declared "Islamic State" (IS). A leaked Australian Federal Police report, first published by news outlet "The Intercept," revealed that two Indonesian pilots made social media postings in support of IS and contacted other supporters of the group.

The two pilots were identified in the report as Tommy Hendratno, also known as Tomi Abu Alfatih, and Ridwan Agustin, who later adopted the online identity of Ridwan Ahmad Indonesiy.

Pilots looking for new airline positions

The head of the Indonesian National Counterterrorism Agency, Saud Usman Nasution, said that the two pilots were no longer employed but still lived in Indonesia and were reportedly looking for airline jobs.

"We received information from international law enforcement agencies and we followed up on it," Nasution told the DPA news agency.

"We have been monitoring their activities for six months. They have had trouble getting jobs as pilots and they are also on the list of people who can't enter the United States."

Australian police decline comment on leak

The leaked operational intelligence report by the Australian Federal Police, dated March 18, 2015, stated that the former pilots were still "likely employees" of AirAsia and Premiair at that time. A spokeswoman said that AirAsia had fired Ridwan after he had been suspected of contacting IS.

Australian authorities meanwhile would not confirm any details about the leaked document. When asked about the authenticity of the report, the Australian Federal Police issued an official statement, saying that it would not comment on matters of intelligence.

"The Australian Federal Police maintains strong relationships with its domestic and foreign law enforcement partners to ensure the ongoing safety of Australians both within Australia and abroad," the statement read.

Australia has been taking a hard stance on radicalized Muslims, refusing amnesty for IS fighters returning to Australia.

Security threat

Indonesian Security Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno said that details were still being gathered on the report, but implied that the information was being taken seriously, as IS has been attempting to gain a foothold in the region.

"Later I will speak with the state intelligence agency, police and the national anti-terror agency," he said.

The two pilots were reported to previously have flown to long-haul destinations across the world, including the Middle East, Australia and the United States. The website which first published the leak, The Intercept, said that the Australian report had been distributed to law enforcement agencies in Turkey, Jordan, the United States, the United Kingdom and other states in Europe.

According to the report, "it is assessed that these persons are likely being influenced by radical elements - at least from the online environment - and may pose a security threat."

ss/msh (AFP, dpa)