Hamas Attempting to Strengthen its Foothold in Southeast Asia

The terrorist organization Hamas has launched a strategic plan to attempt to strengthen its popularity among Muslim-majority countries in Southeast Asia, particularly Indonesia and Malaysia. The aim of this strategy is to expand the number of countries that support the Palestinian terror group financially and militarily as an alternative to its shaky relationships with Iran, Turkey and Qatar.

As part of this strategy, a senior Hamas delegation recently visited Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia and its largest city. Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, so Hamas believes this is a perfect place for fundraising and strengthening its foothold in Southeast Asia. Islamic parties in Indonesia, such as the PKS party, enjoy warm relations with Hamas. Thhe PKS party holds a conference every year to raise money for Hamas.

The Hamas delegation was headed by Mohammed Nasser, who is responsible for the movement’s external relations. The delegation met with high-ranking officials from the Indonesian government. Nasser expressed his appreciation for Jakarta’s continuing support.

Indonesia’s support to Hamas is not only financial but also military. Indonesian sources told the  Al-Watan Al-Arabi (Arabic link) news website that Hamas’ military wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, manufactured a new rocket using components made in Indonesia. According to the report, this new rocket is intended to strike ships at sea. One source said the Indonesian aid to Hamas also includes providing military training in Indonesia to Hamas operatives. In his December report to the Security Council, UN special ambassador Robert Serry noted that Hamas has been actively test-firing rockets.

Though the Indonesian government approves of sending military aid to Hamas, the government refused a request by the Palestinian terror group to open a representative office in Indonesia. Hamas claims it has already opened such offices in Russia and Germany.