What is it about?

Jemaah Islamiyah is a banned terrorist group in Indonesia that has been known to raise funds through faith-based philanthropic institutions. Baitul Maal Abdurrahman Bin Auf (BM ABA) and Syam Organizer (SO) are among these institutions that have been identified as the ones that serve as a 'funding machine' for the group. A case study explored the mechanisms BM ABA and SO used to collect religious philanthropy funds to support Jemaah Islamiyah. The study found that the use of faith-based philanthropic institutions for financing terrorism in Indonesia may involve different methods but can be aimed at the same terrorist group. BM ABA tends to rely on charity boxes and donation cans, while SO primarily uses tabligh akbar (the recitation invited many people) as a means of gaining public sympathy. This research can help the Indonesian government determine charitable practices that can avoid abuse by terrorist groups. Preventing terrorism financing during the fundraising process is the primary step before continuing to the transfer and use of terrorism funds. The Indonesian government needs a mechanism to supervise faith-based philanthropic institutions and cohesively coordinate with related institutions. This monitoring mechanism can refer to the cases studied in this research study.

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Why is it important?

This study is important because it sheds light on the ways terrorist organizations can exploit religious philanthropy, a practice that is often perceived as purely charitable and socially beneficial. By revealing specific mechanisms of abuse within faith-based philanthropic institutions, the research contributes to both academic understanding and practical policymaking in counter-terrorism financing. The findings provide valuable insights for designing preventive measures, strengthening regulatory frameworks, and enhancing inter-institutional coordination in Indonesia. More broadly, the study underscores the urgent need to protect the integrity of religious giving from being manipulated for violent purposes, which has implications not only for Indonesia but also for other countries facing similar threats.

Perspectives

Terrorism is an extraordinary crime that exploits many factors, including the goodwill of people involved in social and religious charities. This needs to be prevented by first examining it to find effective ways to prevent it. This study shows how terrorism is funded through social and religious charities. It also proposes preventative measures to avoid undermining the good intentions of social and religious charities.

Daniel Rabitha
National Research and Innovation Agency

Read the Original

This page is a summary of: Two philanthropic institutions for one purpose in different ways: utilisation of religious philanthropy in terrorism financing in Indonesia, Cogent Social Sciences, January 2025, Taylor & Francis,
DOI: 10.1080/23311886.2024.2428370.
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