‘Ightiyalat’ and Legitimizing Attacks
The stabbing attack targeting Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto was an act of terror that used the “ightiyalat” strategy.
Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto (second left) is stabbed during a work visit to Pandeglang, Banten, Thursday (10/10/2019).
The stabbing attack targeting Coordinating Political, Legal and Security Affairs Minister Wiranto was an act of terror that used the “ightiyalat” strategy. Indonesia’s terror network adopted the strategy around 10 years ago and trained its recruits accordingly. Targeting state officials is nothing new in the country’s terrorism history. These targeted attacks, however, are becoming more dangerous because of their pretention at gaining public legitimacy amid the weakening public support for state apparatuses.
As usual, after every terror attack, especially those that target state officials as symbols of the state, the internet becomes flooded with many conspiracy theories. Allegations that the attack was part of a conspiracy indicate the public’s short memory regarding terror attacks in Indonesia.