Indonesian security forces exchanged gunfire with attackers at the scene of an explosion in Jakarta. (Source: AFP/VNA)

Kumar Ramakrishna, an expert on Southeast Asian militant groups at Singapore's Nanyang Technological University, said IS wanted to establish a province in the region, and there were several groups in the region that had pledged allegiance to IS.

The threat from Southeast Asian fighters returning from radicalisation in Iraq and Syria is another worrying factor, along with the possibility of the emergence of extremist 'lone wolves'.

The Soufan Group, a New York-based security consultancy, estimates that between 500 and 700 Indonesians have traveled abroad to join IS in Syria and Iraq, and many of them have returned home.

Southeast Asia terrorism expert Rohan Gunaratna called on governments in the region to work together to prevent the establishment of an IS satellite region because if such a region is established, the threat in Southeast Asia will be greater.

According to the announcement of Indonesian authorities, at noon on January 14, there were 7 consecutive bomb explosions at Sarinah shopping mall and a gun battle outside a Starbucks coffee shop opposite this shopping mall, killing at least 7 people, including 5 terrorists, and injuring 20 people (including an Algerian, an Austrian, a German and a Dutchman who are in critical condition.

Indonesia said the two victims killed included a Canadian and an Indonesian.

Responding to the series of shocking terrorist attacks in Jakarta, US Secretary of State John Kerry on January 14 announced that Washington condemned the attack in Indonesia claimed by the Islamic State (IS).

“Acts of terrorism only lead to death and destruction,” Mr. Kerry affirmed. “We will all stand together and unite to destroy those who choose the path of terrorism.”

On the same day, the US Embassy in Jakarta announced that it would remain closed on January 15 as a precautionary measure following the attack, but the agency would still provide emergency services.

A statement from the US Embassy stressed that “further attacks are possible. US citizens are advised to avoid the Sari Pan Hotel and Sarinah Mall and postpone all non-essential travel to the city.”

On the same day, Dutch Foreign Minister Bert Koenders strongly condemned the terrorist attacks in Jakarta, sent condolences to his Indonesian counterpart Retno Marsudi and offered to assist Indonesia if needed.

Immediately after the attacks, the Dutch Embassy in Jakarta warned Dutch citizens in the area not to go out./.

According to Vietnam+