This year's Ramadan has not been free of terrorist incidents, and security experts are warning of the need for vigilance during Idul Fitri.

West Java Police Chief Suhardi Alius confirmed an attack on the Rajapolah Police Station in Tasikmalaya on July 20th. Two men riding a motorcycle threw a bomb at the station in broad daylight, then detonated it using a cell phone.

The terrorists used a "pan" bomb containing potassium and other explosive material, he said.

"Nobody was injured and [there was] no serious damage. It was a small explosion. However, the police are very concerned about possible attacks in the future," Suhardi told Khabar Southeast Asia by phone.

Just two days after the incident in Tasikmalaya, police ambushed four suspected terrorists in Tulungagung, East Java on July 22nd. Two suspects were killed in the action, while two were wounded and taken into custody.

According to police, the suspects were armed with a homemade bomb and linked with terrorists in Poso. Authorities had been monitoring them for almost three months as they moved from city to city in East Java in an attempt to evade detection.

Spreading fear

These incidents, two recent prison breaks and terrorist propaganda have Indonesians on edge.

"We hope that with the two terrorists arrested, police will have more sources to conduct their investigation. People have been speculating that these attacks are only beginning," said Lidya Novita, a graduate student in security studies from Airlangga University in Surabaya.

"Many terrorists have already escaped from prison. Basri, aka Bagong, escaped from a prison in Poso, Central Sulawesi. Four terrorists reportedly escaped from Tanjung Gusta Prison in Medan," she said.

"Additionally, Santoso, the leader of Mujahidin in Eastern Indonesia, spreads his thought of wrong jihad through YouTube. What I mean by 'wrong Jihad' is Jihad which is aimed at killing people in the name of religion," she continued.

"We are now not only fighting with an 'ideology' but also real people who are trying to commit revenge. Unfortunately, we do not know who their targets are. The attacks can hurt and kill many innocent people," Sayid Ahmad, a 55-year old Islamic cleric from Surabaya, told Khabar.

"People are now more cautious and more fearful of possible attacks at any time. Idul Fitri is a day for deliberation, not for fear; this situation is saddening," he continued.

Mardigu Prasantyo, a psychologist who has assisted the police in numerous terrorist interrogations, said the government must be alert for the possibility of terrorist attacks during Idul Fitri.

"They (terrorists) want to aim for the crowds and create threats to people. As Idul Fitri is approaching, we all should be vigilant," Mardigu told Khabar via a text message.

Terrorist expert Al Chaidar expressed a similar opinion. He warned Detachment 88 and the government that Santoso and his group may commit acts of terror during Ramadan and Idul Fitri. "Santoso already gave an early indication through YouTube," Chaidar commented to Khabar.

National Police are conducting a special security operation to safeguard Idul Fitri and monitoring important places.