Central Java Governor Mardiyanto has asked former members of the recently disbanded radical Islamic group Laskar Jihad to help the province cope with natural disasters and major accidents.

"The governor has asked former Laskar Jihad members to help handle victims of disasters because they are good at setting up polyclinics and evacuating victims," Mussadun, the former chief Laskar Jihad's parent organization Ahlus Sunnah wal Jamaah Communication Forum, was quoted as saying by state news agency Antara on Thursday. He said the governor wants the former paramilitaries to coordinate disaster relief efforts with the provincial Community Development and Protection Agency.

Laskar Jihad was established in Java in April 2000, almost two years after the fall of authoritarian ex-president Suharto, and waged savage holy wars against Christians in the Maluku islands and in Poso, Central Sulawesi. At least 9,000 people have been killed in the two regions since January 1999.

Analysts say Laskar Jihad was formed and partly funded by rogue elements of the armed forces to create chaos that would increase the military's bargaining power with the government and certain companies.

In a shock development last month, the group announced it was disbanding because it had become too political and strayed from its original goals of providing assistance to Muslims in need. The announcement came just days after the October 12 Bali nightclub bombings that killed about 184 people, which resulted in Indonesia coming under stronger international pressure to crack down on radical Islamic groups.

Laskar Jihad leader Jafar Umar Thalib claimed the timing of the group's disbandment was a coincidence. He said Laskar Jihad had to be dissolved simply because many of its members had become close to Muslim politicians, posed for photos and given interviews to female journalists.

Mussadun said the former holy war fighters are experienced in dealing with victims in conflict-torn areas, such as Maluku and Poso. He said all Laskar Jihad members have left Maluku and Poso over the past month. "They have returned to their respective hometowns to work according to their professions. Some of them returned to Islamic boarding schools, continuing their studies, and others engaged in trade."

Mussadun denied Laskar Jihad was dissolved because of pressure from the government, security authorities and foreign governments. He said the group disbanded because it had deviated from its original aim, which was to uphold Islamic shariah law.

The apparent demise of Laskar Jihad was followed one month later by the suspension of activities of the extremist Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), which has been notorious for raiding nightclubs and cafes in Jakarta. Analysts say both groups existed with support from military elements that had been pressured by the armed forces and police to pack in the paramilitary activities. FPI leader Muhammad Rizieq Shihab faces prosecution over raids by his followers on nightspots, while Laskar Jihad leader Jafar is on trial for inciting violence in Maluku and insulting the president.