"This is not a follow up of a terrorist attack in Batam but is related to the developments in several cases that have occurred in the past," Budigusdian noted at the Police headquarters in Batam on Friday.
However, the police chief was reluctant to reveal the identity of the six suspects and named them as 31-year-old GR, head of the group; 46-year-old TS; 35-year-old ES; 21-year-old Tmz; 20-year-old HGY; and 19-year-old MTS.
"We cannot as yet reveal information as the officers are still conducting investigation. It will all be released by the National Police Headquarters later," Budigusdian remarked.
Budigusdian further explained that prior to the arrest and the search of the suspects homes, the police had conducted a lengthy observation process.
"We cannot reveal details regarding the evidence that we seized from the scene just yet," he affirmed.
Indonesian counterterrorism squad Special Detachment 88 searched several houses of the alleged terrorists in Batam from 5 a.m. local time on Friday.
While arresting the suspects, the police also confiscated a suitcase suspected to contain documents on terrorism.
Head of Riau Islands Polices Public Relations Hartono noted that all suspects will be transferred to the National Headquarters in Jakarta.
"All alleged members of the terrorist group will be transferred to Jakarta for further investigation at the National Headquarters," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2016
