The death toll in the horrifying attack on members of the Ahmadiyah community in Banten province on Sunday has increased to four after a victim succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday. The man was identified as Deden. He had been in a coma for two days following the attack.

The Jakarta man was transferred from Sari Asih Hospital in Serang, Banten, to the Pertamina Hospital in the capital because of his severe injuries. Another four remain in hospital.

The National Police, meanwhile, said they had arrested a group of people allegedly involved in the attack.

"There are three potential suspects who are currently being questioned intensively by our investigators," spokesman Brig. Gen. Ketut Untung Yoga was quoted as saying by news portal Detik.com.

Police had also questioned a number of witnesses, both members of the Ahmadiyah community and local residents.

Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah said the attack was a disaster "beyond human power," and called on the estimated 1,120 Ahmadis to return to the "right path."

She added that the Banten provincial government, in conjunction with the Indonesia Council of Ulema (MUI) and Ministry of Religious Affairs, had made repeated attempts to approach and guide the Ahmadi.

"We have sent 3,014 preachers to approach the Ahmadi and so far 24 followers have returned to the right path. I hope others will soon follow," Ratu said during a coordination meeting at the Ministry of Political, Legal and Security Affairs in Jakarta on Monday. (Antara, JG)