New Indonesia law to allow jailing of militant returnees

JAKARTA (Reuters) - Indonesia is set to approve a law allowing authorities to jail for up to 15 years citizens coming home after joining militant groups abroad, lawmakers said on Wednesday.

The tightening of anti-terrorism laws in the world's largest Muslim-majority country comes as concern grows about the spread of influence of Islamic State, and fears it wants a foothold in Southeast Asia as it loses territory in the Middle East.

Police stand guard near the home of a suspected militant, following his arrest in Singosari District, Malang, Indonesia June 19, 2017. Picture taken June 19, 2017. Antara Foto/Ari Bowo Sucipto via REUTERS

"The new criminal code adopts the principle of universality, which means that wherever an Indonesian citizen commits a crime, they can be legally processed in Indonesia," said lawmaker Arsul Sani, referring to terrorism.

"They can face up to 15 years in prison," he said. The legislation was likely to be approved in September, legislators said. Law enforcement agencies have long complained of their inability to deal with people who have travelled abroad to join Islamic State and then returned home.

Authorities believe Islamic State has thousands of sympathizers in Indonesia.

Hundreds of Indonesian men, women, and children are thought to have travelled to Syria in recent years, and authorities believe about 400 Indonesians have joined Islamic State.

Dozens are believed to have returned to Southeast Asia.