A security and terrorism academic from Charles Sturt University (CSU) is warning that the terrorism threat to Australia and our close neighbour, Indonesia, is on-going and likely to be a permanent piece of the regional landscape.

 

Lecturer in terrorism and national security at CSU’s Australian Graduate School of Policing and Security, Mr Levi J West, argues that the decline of the group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) – mostly due to the professional work of Indonesia’s counterterrorism specialists -  does not mean an end to the regional terror threat.

 

In an Australian Strategic Policy Institute (ASPI) Blog, the CSU academic argues that the global terrorism movement has been made more resilient through changes to its structure and strategy.

 

The terrorist group Al Qaeda has given more autonomy to its regional branches and affiliates, proving highly effective in preserving some form of operational capability, and providing a reliable means of transmitting ideological propaganda and terrorist tradecraft.

 

 “What was once taught in training camps in Afghanistan or Pakistan is now delivered over the internet in video and audio files containing religious sermons, education in military and strategic theory, and practical instruction in how to assemble homemade explosive devices,” Mr West said.

 

“These changes and the concept of ‘lone wolf’ strikes have gained credence in the jihadist community in Indonesia.”

 

Mr West believes the recent 10^th anniversary of the JI-sponsored fatal bombing attacks in Bali is a timely reminder that the threat is a diminished but perpetual one.

 

Read the full ASIP Blog here.