Two Indonesian pilots are believed to have been radicalised by the extremist jihadist group Islamic State, raising concerns from law enforcement authorities around the world.
A report from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) identified the two Indonesian pilots who "both appear to be influenced by pro (Islamic State) elements."
The first Indonesian pilot, named Ridwan Agustin, used to work for AirAsia, flying routes to Hong Kong and Singapore.
In September 2014, Agustin began interacting with pro-ISIS individuals through the social networking site, Facebook. He added as friends Indonesian foreign fighters documenting their battles in Syria or Iraq.
Soon, Agustin changed his Facebook profile name to "Ridwan Ahmad Indonesiy." The former pilot listed Raqqa, Syria—a territory currently ruled by the ISIS, as his current location.
The second pilot, identified as Tommy Hendratno, was believed to have developed ties with the ISIS through Agustin's online associate. He now uses the name "Abu Alfatih Hendratno" in his Facebook account.
Hendratno, who recently worked for aviation company Premiair, was also once a member of the Indonesian military.
As recent as February, Hendratno attended a flight school in the United States.
Australian police have already alerted other countries, including the US, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Indonesia, Australia, Malaysia, Switzerland, Germany and France—about the former Indonesian pilots with possible extremist ties.
"Both [pilots] appear to be influenced by pro-IS elements including extremist online propaganda by well-known radical Indonesia outlets and a suspected Indonesian foreign terrorist fighter who is likely to be in either Syria or Iraq," the Australian police's report stated.
The report also warned other countries about the potential threats posted by the radicalised Indonesians.
"Their access and knowledge of security and safety regimes provides the ability to attempt attacks as witnessed by past global events," the report stated.
