The bunker of Jamaah Islamiyah figures was flooded, suspected of being a place to assemble weapons

LAMPUNG, KOMPAS.com – Police found a three-meter-deep bunker at the hideout of Jamaah Islamiyah’s figure, Taufik Bulaga alias Upik Lawanga, in Lampung.

The bunker was discovered by Team 88 of the Anti-Terrorism Task Force when they arrested Upik Lawanga on 23 November.

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Lampung Regional Police Head of Public Relations Kombes Zahwani Pandra Arsyad said the bunker was 3×2 meters in size.

“This bunker measures 3 x 2 meters, three meters deep, and is suspected to be the place where the suspect assembles weapons,” Pandra said at Lampung Regional Police Headquarters on Saturday (12/19/2020).

The location of the bunker is quite far from the community settlements in the Seputih Banyak area, Central Lampung.

“Away from the crowd, this is a way to cover up the suspect’s activities,” Pandra said.

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When it was opened, it turned out that the bunker was flooded with knee-deep water.

Pandra said the bunker was deliberately flooded so the suspect could test the assembled weapon.

“To disguise it so you don’t know when it’s tested,” Pandra said.

Previously, Upik Lawanga was a member of Jamaah Islamiyah, who was the mastermind behind various acts of terror, such as the Bali Bombing, the Tentena Bombing and a series of actions from 2004-2006.

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According to the police, Upik Lawanga was nicknamed “professor” because he had the ability to assemble firearms and high-explosive bombs.

The nickname of Professor was also signaled by Upik Lawanga’s ability to study the characteristics of the region when making bombs.