Indonesian Defense Minister General (Retd) Ryamizard Ryacudu talks to reporters after a meeting at the 16th Institute for Strategic Studies, Shangri-La Dialogue Summit in Singapore on June 4, 2017. (AFP Photo/Roslan Rahman)
Turkish authorities announced the detainment of435 Indonesian citizens who were allegedly involved in global terrorist group ISIS and planned to send them back home.
Turkish authorities have also deported 152 Indonesians for the same reason.
However,Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu didn't think that it would be a good idea and insisted that the government would not accept Indonesians deported for joining the radical group.
"No need to return [to Indonesia]. Just stay there. If you want to volunteer yourself [in jihad], just engage until you die," said Ryamizard at the Presidential Palace Complex, Jakarta, Monday.
Ryamizard claimed the reasons for those departed to go back to Indonesia, saying they want to get married and so forth are unacceptable. He considered them as a made up story.
"That's classic," he said.
When asked the urgency of setting an alert status on ISIS, Ryamizard said it was unnecessary despite the increasing number of Indonesian citizens joining the terrorist group.
(brl/red)
