Basic concepts and reasons behind the emergence of religious terror activities in I ndonesia: An inside view

This study aims to understand the fundamental concepts and reasons behind the emergence of religious terror activities in I ndonesia, providing an ‘insider’ rather than an ‘outsider’ view. Data were collected from a total of 40 religious terror activists in I ndonesia using a set of focused group discussions and interviews. The reasons they provided for their terror activities were as follows: (1) I ndonesia is seen as being in a state of war (thus justifying a defensive attack); (2) Suicide bombing is believed to be noble; (3) The W est (as a whole) is targeted as it is considered the invader of M uslim countries and a representative of evil; the I ndonesian government is viewed as its corrupt ally.