Australian authorities believe two Indonesian pilots may pose a security threat after being radicalised by Islamic State, a leaked intelligence document obtained by an investigative website shows, although officials Thursday refused to confirm its veracity.
The Australian Federal Police "Operational Intelligence Report", published online by investigative website The Intercept, said the pilots were "likely employees" of AirAsia and Premiair and came to their attention through their Facebook pages.
It said their postings "inferred support to the Islamic State (IS)" group.
"Upon review of the content from both accounts it is assessed that these persons are likely being influenced by radical elements -- at least from the online environment --- and as a result, may pose a security threat," it said.
In a statement to AFP, the federal police would not comment on whether the document, entitled "Identification of Indonesian pilots with possible extremist persuasions" and dated March 18 this year, was genuine.
"The Australian Federal Police does not comment on matters of intelligence," it said.
"The Australian Federal Police maintains strong relationships with its domestic and foreign law enforcement partners to ensure the ongoing safety of Australians both within Australia and abroad."
The AirAsia pilot graduated from its academy in 2010, the document said, and flew international routes including to Hong Kong and Singapore.
It said a change in his Facebook posting style became evident in September last year "wherein he started posting material indicative of support to IS".
Around this time, he began interacting online with a second pilot, said to be a former Indonesian navy pilot who now works for Premiair, who "liked" his postings on IS.
This pilot had flown to Australia, Europe, the Middle East and the United States, the intelligence report claimed, with recent reposts on Facebook including "extremist related articles".
"Both appear to be influenced by pro-IS elements including extremist online propaganda by well-known radical Indonesia outlets and a suspected Indonesian terrorist fighter who is likely to be in either Syria or Iraq," the police report concluded.
The Intercept said it was distributed to law enforcement agencies in Turkey, Jordan, Britain, Europe and the United States.
Indonesia's government said it was still gathering information about the report.
"I haven't got any information. Later I will speak with the state intelligence agency, police and the national anti-terror agency," Security Minister Tedjo Edhy Purdijatno told reporters.
A spokesman for Indonesia's foreign ministry, Arrmanatha Nasir, added: "We have heard this report from the papers. We have requested for more information from the security authorities."
A spokeswoman for AirAsia's Indonesian affiliate said the pilot mentioned in the document was no longer with the airline.
"Therefore we are unable to provide further comment on this matter," she told AFP.
AFP was seeking comment from Premiair, a leading aviation services and aircraft management operator headquartered in Jakarta.
AFP
Thu Jul 09 2015
Australian authorities believe two Indonesian pilots may pose security threat after being radicalised by Islamic State.
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.