Robert Go, Jakarta – Indonesia's chief security minister yesterday warned that the country, and South-east Asia in general, faced more terror attacks not only from the Jemaah Islamiah (JI) but also Aceh's guerilla groups.

Mr Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono told reporters after a meeting with the country's top security officials: "We cannot say terrorism in Indonesia and South-east Asia has been reduced. It's very possible that Jemaah Islamiah, whose elements are spread throughout South-east Asia, will carry out fresh criminal actions."

He also cited the threat from Aceh's separatist rebels, against whom the Indonesian forces launched a military offensive two months ago. Both groups, he noted, have been backed into a corner by security forces and could be plotting revenge.

Earlier this month, Indonesian police announced the arrests of nine JI members and the seizure of a large cache of arms and explosives. Top JI agents are also on trial for last October's Bali attacks, and cleric Abu Bakar Bashir, the JI's alleged leader, faces charges of treason. The Aceh rebels, the minister argued, had realised they could soon be wiped out and were resorting to using terror tactics in Jakarta and other major cities. The authorities already suspected the separatist guerillas were behind the explosion at the Parliament complex earlier this week.

Mr Susilo said terrorists could focus on several important dates and events for Indonesia in their terror planning – for instance, a meeting of the top legislative assembly early next month and the Aug 17 Independence Day celebration. In preparation, more domestic security measures had been taken and Jakarta's intelligence officers had been told to step up cooperation with their peers from other Asean countries.

Government offices, transportation hubs like airports and soft targets such as entertainment areas and shopping centres needed to remain vigilant, the minister said.

While analysts agreed that more terror attacks were likely and supported the anti-terror initiatives, some suspect Indonesia's security forces of using the terror threat to justify demands for more funds and greater influence.

Mr Arbi Sanit, an analyst at the University of Indonesia, warned that the power of the military and police was growing while civilian control over them has declined. "The police and military may have good reasons to warn about terror attacks. But we need to realise the authorities may be talking about fears of terrorists to strengthen their own positions within society," he said.

Mr Arbi and others noted that since the Bali blasts, both the military and police have been given more freedom of movement and funds by the government.