Former leader of the Council of Indonesian Jihad Fighters (MMI), Abu Bakar Ba'asyir, has declared a new political organization based on what he claims are the true Islamic teachings.

Ba'asyir named his new organization Anshorut Tauhid, which means the defender of the oneness of God.

The spiritual leader became known nationally at the beginning of the global war on terror following the 9/11 terror attack on the United States in 2001. The attack was allegedly carried out by a group of Muslim fighters from Afghanistan led by Osama bin Laden, Al Qaida.

Ba'asyir was accused by local and foreign authorities as the leader of the radical Islamist group, Jamaah Islamiyah, in Southeast Asia related to Al Qaida, with ties to the first Bali bombing that killed more than 230 people. He was charged over the bombing, but was proved not guilty in 2006.

Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Wednesday, Ba'asyir spokesperson, Fauzan Al Anshori, said the organization's declaration was carried out that day in Bekasi and attended by hundreds of people.

A political manifesto of Ba'asyir was read during the declaration, Fauzan said. "The new organization aspires to implement organizational leadership again based on Islam. Abu Bakar Ba'asyir is the leader of the Anshorut Tauhid congregation," he said.

Fauzan said the congregation would continue to promote the implementation of Islamic law in the country, just like what MMI had been fighting for.

Ba'asyir stepped down from his post as the leader of MMI in July due to an ideological dispute with fellow MMI members. He was quoted as saying that MMI was no longer in line with Islamic teachings.

The declaration was followed by a discussion on the leadership of Islam versus democracy, Fauzan said.

"A leader in Islam is chosen by an advisory council, which consists of chosen people, while democracy practices 'one man, one vote' – this means that people with knowledge are the same as criminals or prostitutes." (and)