Police arrest 41 suspected terrorists linked to Surabaya bombings

Surabaya (Antaranews Bali) - The Indonesian Police have arrested 41 suspected terrorists linked to the series of bomb attacks in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, East Java, on May 13 and 14.

"We moved fast after the suicide bombings in Surabaya and Sidoarjo on May 13-14 and have identified the perpetrators," said the Indonesian Police Chief, Gen. Tito Karnavian, at the Surabaya police headquarters on Thursday.

Tito said four of the suspects were shot dead by security personnel because they resisted arrest. "One suspected terrorist in Probolinggo surrendered to the local police because he could not live peacefully and was always being chased," he said.

Tito said the police` quick response to the bombings should create a sense of security among the public.

"We can learn something from the terror attacks in Surabaya and Sidoarjo. First, that such a beautiful city like Surabaya can become a target of terror. Second, terrorism has involved family, including mothers and their children," he said.

The police, Tito said, should have a strategy to prevent the recurrence of such incidents.

A series of suicide bombings in Surabaya and Sidoarjo committed by three families killed 13 perpetrators, 14 civilians, and injured 42 others on May 13-14. (WDY)