Throughout its history, the radical NII movement were involved in operations run by the intelligence forces. Panji Gumilang was seen as a counterforce aimed at breaking up the remaining supporters of the rebel S.M. Kartosoewirjo, the first imam of the NII.

Through the Al-Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, Panji used a different stratagy: developing a center of education, all the while expanding the wings of the organization. He recruited members and raised funds through coercion. He would promise politicians to deliver votes just before elections. Some people claim Panji’s charm was hard to resist.