Man who joined ISIS in Syria tells his story in new book

He describes family's experience as a tale of desperation and extremist delusion

Mr Febri Ramdani seen in 2017 (left, in black) with family members at a refugee camp on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and today (above).
Mr Febri Ramdani seen in 2017 (above, in black) with family members at a refugee camp on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and today. PHOTO: ARDILES RANTE
Mr Febri Ramdani seen in 2017 (left, in black) with family members at a refugee camp on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and today (above).
Mr Febri Ramdani seen in 2017 with family members at a refugee camp on the Syrian-Iraqi border, and today (above). PHOTO: JEFFREY HUTTON
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When Indonesia announced this month that it would leave nearly 700 suspected former Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) fighters and their families in detention camps in Syria, one man had a unique perspective on the issue.

Mr Febri Ramdani, 26, returned to Indonesia in August 2017 after following his family to start a new life with ISIS militants in Syria, where they hoped to find jobs, services and meaning.

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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 25, 2020, with the headline Man who joined ISIS in Syria tells his story in new book. Subscribe