Indonesia’s counter-terrorism unit, Detachment 88, has arrested 59 suspected militants in connection to a purported plan to disrupt the democratic process, the unit spokesperson announced on Tuesday.

The spokesperson revealed that the detained individuals had intentions to carry out attacks targeting security forces responsible for safeguarding the election proceedings. Weapons, propaganda materials and chemicals used in the making of explosive devices were seized during the arrests.

“It is clear that these suspects hold an anti-democratic stance, viewing democracy as immoral and a violation of Islamic law,” stated Aswin Siregar, the spokesperson for the Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88. “Their plan to obstruct the election process was a direct threat to our domestic security, particularly during this critical period.”

The Counterterrorism Special Detachment 88, commonly known as Densus 88, was established after the 2002 Bali bombings. The unit is supported by funding, equipment, and training provided by the United States through the Antiterrorism Assistance Program and by Australia.

19 of those arrested were from the Jemaah Islamiyah (JI) network, an Indonesia-based terrorist network formed in the early 1990s, while 40 suspects were from Jamaah Ansharut Daulah (JAD), an Islamic State-inspired terror network established in Indonesia in 2015.

The upcoming presidential election in Indonesia will be held on February 14, 2024. Three candidates are competing to take over from the current President, Joko Widodo, known as Jokowi, who is concluding his two-term limit.

Critics have raised concerns about the integrity of the upcoming 2024 election. There are allegations of President Jokowi attempting to retain influence after his tenure. Moreover, adjustments made by a court overseen by Jokowi’s brother-in-law, altering criteria to enable Jokowi’s son to potentially run as a vice-presidential candidate, have triggered doubts regarding the fairness of the electoral process.