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Ibrahim May Have Been 'Brainwashed' By JI: Psychology Expert

How could an apparently accomplished florist, described by his coworkers as a “sociable” and “friendly with a good sense of humor,” be involved with terrorism?

Mohammad As’ad, a social psychology expert from Yogyakarta’s Gajah Mada University, said people are continually going through a process of development, and 40-year-old Ibrahim, who was named by police on Wednesday as a key player in the July 17 Jakarta hotel bombings, was no exception.

“Ibrahim’s case is a classic example of systemic behavior modification, or brainwashing, so that he finally dared to murder people,” As’ad said.

Behavior modification is usually carried out through a peer group, and one method used to brainwash people is to offer a reward, As’ad said.

“He wouldn’t have done what he did if there were no promise of a reward. In this case, the reward was a promise of God’s paradise and being married to 40 angels,” he said.

As’ad said when a non-believer turned into a believer of a certain cause, it became relatively easy to control the person.

“Even for the person himself, once he has certain beliefs then he can kill his own emotions. He would not have any guilt or any fear of death. He strongly believes in the reward, whatever it is.”

“We also must not forget that for Ibrahim, who was ‘only’ a florist, to be given status in a group [Jemaah Islamiyah] was probably a big thing,” As’ad said. “For males, status is pride. The higher his status, the more satisfied and the more committed he will be with the group.”

As’ad said that recognition and feeling powerful are two alluring emotions that radical or terrorist groups use to recruit young people.

“Statistically, criminals mostly come from a young age group. So, if I may suggest to parents, please pay attention to your children. Recognize their talents, make them feel important, so they don’t have to seek it from outside,” he added.

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