Indonesian Bali bomber Ali Imron is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon as he said that he is now feeling "tired". Imron was given a life sentence for his role in the 2002 Bali bombing — a terrorist attack which killed 202 people.&nbsp;

The 54-year-old Imron has spent 21 years in prison. Now he wants to be released so that he can work on deradicalisation projects across Indonesia.&nbsp;

While speaking to the South China Morning Post (SCMP),&nbsp;Imron said that he hopes for a pardon from Indonesian President Joko Widodo.&nbsp;

"I don't want to be released purely for personal reasons. I want to be free so that I can work on deradicalisation programmes across Indonesia. From a personal point of view, I am better off inside where there is no risk to my life," Imron told SCMP in the interaction which was published on January 19.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-will-not-lift-a-finger-to-assist-iccs-drug-war-probe-682862">Philippines will not 'lift a finger' to assist ICC's drug war probe</a>&nbsp;

The report mentioned that Imron has worked with Indonesia's counterterrorism unit as a peace ambassador since his arrest.&nbsp;

He has also spoken at schools and other events outside the prison to warn others of the dangers of radical ideology. Imron has also given interviews from prison to further help deradicalise would-be terrorists.&nbsp;

"I have to tell people the facts … Jemaah Islamiyah still exists as an organisation and there is still a potential threat to the public," he said.&nbsp;

"There is only so much I can do from prison to warn people not to plan any more attacks," he added.&nbsp;

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Watch:&nbsp;Intel reports reveal threat of terror attack in Islamabad&nbsp;

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Jemaah Islamiyah is the outfit which carried out the terrorist attack involving the detonation of three bombs.&nbsp;

The group is a Southeast Asian Islamist militant group based in Indonesia, which is dedicated to the establishment of an Islamic state in Southeast Asia.&nbsp;

In Indonesia, some 610 people were arrested for suspected terrorism-related offences between 2021 and 2023, open source data revealed.&nbsp;

Around 42 per cent of them were members of Jemaah Islamiah and 39 per cent were affiliated with Jamaah Ansharut Daulah and other ISIS-inspired groups.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Indonesian Bali bomber Ali Imron is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon as he said that he is now feeling "tired". Imron was given a life sentence for his role in the 2002 Bali bombing — a terrorist attack which killed 202 people.

Indonesian Bali bomber Ali Imron is reportedly seeking a presidential pardon as he said that he is now feeling "tired". Imron was given a life sentence for his role in the 2002 Bali bombing — a terrorist attack which killed 202 people. The 54-year-old Imron has spent 21 years in prison. Now he wants to be released so that he can work on deradicalisation projects across Indonesia. While speaking to the South China Morning Post (SCMP), Imron said that he hopes for a pardon from Indonesian President Joko Widodo. "I don't want to be released purely for personal reasons. I want to be free so that I can work on deradicalisation programmes across Indonesia. From a personal point of view, I am better off inside where there is no risk to my life," Imron told SCMP in the interaction which was published on January 19. Also read: Philippines will not 'lift a finger' to assist ICC's drug war probe The report mentioned that Imron has worked with Indonesia's counterterrorism unit as a peace ambassador since his arrest. He has also spoken at schools and other events outside the prison to warn others of the dangers of radical ideology. Imron has also given interviews from prison to further help deradicalise would-be terrorists. "I have to tell people the facts … Jemaah Islamiyah still exists as an organisation and there is still a potential threat to the public," he said. "There is only so much I can do from prison to warn people not to plan any more attacks," he added. Also read: Medibank breach: Russian hacker sanction for role in Australia’s biggest data theft Watch: Intel reports reveal threat of terror attack in Islamabad × Jemaah Islamiyah is the outfit which carried out the terrorist attack involving the detonation of three bombs. The group is a Southeast Asian Islamist militant group based in Indonesia, which is dedicated to the establishment of an Islamic state in Southeast Asia. In Indonesia, some 610 people were arrested for suspected terrorism-related offences between 2021 and 2023, open source data revealed. Around 42 per cent of them were members of Jemaah Islamiah and 39 per cent were affiliated with Jamaah Ansharut Daulah and other ISIS-inspired groups. (With inputs from agencies)

2002 Bali Bombings: Ali Imron seeks presidential pardon in Indonesia

Accused Bali bombing mastermind has been released from prison after serving almost 10 years for terrorism offences. Australia has expressed displeasure on the decision. Watch more.

Bali bombing accused released from jail, Australians express displeasure

Umar Patek, one of the bombmakers involved in Bali blasts of 2002&nbsp;that killed 202 people, has been released on parole from an Indonesian prison, despite opposition from&nbsp;Australia whose citizens were the largest casualties in the terror attack. Patek was a member of an Al-Qaeda-linked group that carried out the blast at&nbsp;a resort&nbsp;bar and nightclub.&nbsp;Indonesian authorities say he is eligible for release and no longer poses a threat.

The decision has sparked anger, particularly in Australia.&nbsp;The blasts remain the country's deadliest attack, with 202 people from 21 nations losing their lives on October 12. Out of them, 88 were Australians.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bali-bomber-could-be-released-in-days-law-official-says-508516">Also read |&nbsp;Bali bomber could be released in days, law official says</a>

Patek was found to be a bombmaker for Jemaah Islamiah (JI), a group inspired by al-Qaeda. Officials were able to detain Patek in 2011 after nearly a decade's run with one million&nbsp;dollar bounty&nbsp;on his head.&nbsp;

Rika Aprianti from the Law and Human Rights Ministry told AFP, "Since today, Patek has his status changed to be under the supervision of Surabaya penitentiary." Referring to the condition under which Patek was released, she added that he will be required to undergo a training programme until 2030 and any violation will revoke his parole. She also said that Patek had pledged allegiance to the country.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;

Officials have claimed that the extremist has shown changes after undergoing a deradicalisation programme. During his trial in 2012, he showed remorse which later made the officials release them.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-marks-20th-anniversary-of-bali-bombings-albanese-says-ache-does-not-dim-524619">Also read |&nbsp;Australia marks 20th anniversary of Bali bombings, Albanese says 'ache does not dim'</a>

The decision has been criticised by Australian Prime Minister Anthony&nbsp;Albanese. He said that he feels disgusted by Patek's act and that his early release would revive the trauma and distress of the grieving families.&nbsp;

The Australian government said it will push Indonesian authorities to carry out constant surveillance of him.

Australian Minister Chris Bowen said that his countrymen&nbsp;had "every right to be disappointed and concerned by this news".

In October, several hundreds of mourners and survivors gathered together in Bali ahead of the blast's 20th anniversary.&nbsp;

Indonesia has previously terminated prison terms for several prisoners who have served most of the term or underwent rehabilitation programmes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Umar Patek, one of the bombmakers involved in Bali blasts of 2002 that killed 202 people, has been released on parole from an Indonesian prison, despite opposition from Australia whose citizens were the largest casualties in the terror attack.

Umar Patek, one of the bombmakers involved in Bali blasts of 2002 that killed 202 people, has been released on parole from an Indonesian prison, despite opposition from Australia whose citizens were the largest casualties in the terror attack. Patek was a member of an Al-Qaeda-linked group that carried out the blast at a resort bar and nightclub. Indonesian authorities say he is eligible for release and no longer poses a threat. The decision has sparked anger, particularly in Australia. The blasts remain the country's deadliest attack, with 202 people from 21 nations losing their lives on October 12. Out of them, 88 were Australians. Also read | Bali bomber could be released in days, law official says Patek was found to be a bombmaker for Jemaah Islamiah (JI), a group inspired by al-Qaeda. Officials were able to detain Patek in 2011 after nearly a decade's run with one million dollar bounty on his head. Rika Aprianti from the Law and Human Rights Ministry told AFP, "Since today, Patek has his status changed to be under the supervision of Surabaya penitentiary." Referring to the condition under which Patek was released, she added that he will be required to undergo a training programme until 2030 and any violation will revoke his parole. She also said that Patek had pledged allegiance to the country. × Officials have claimed that the extremist has shown changes after undergoing a deradicalisation programme. During his trial in 2012, he showed remorse which later made the officials release them. Also read | Australia marks 20th anniversary of Bali bombings, Albanese says 'ache does not dim' The decision has been criticised by Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. He said that he feels disgusted by Patek's act and that his early release would revive the trauma and distress of the grieving families. The Australian government said it will push Indonesian authorities to carry out constant surveillance of him. Australian Minister Chris Bowen said that his countrymen had "every right to be disappointed and concerned by this news". In October, several hundreds of mourners and survivors gathered together in Bali ahead of the blast's 20th anniversary. Indonesia has previously terminated prison terms for several prisoners who have served most of the term or underwent rehabilitation programmes. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Bali bombmaker Umar Patek's release on parole sparks a wave of anger

Australians angered by release of 2002 Bali bomb maker Umar Patek

Terrorism remains the top global concern that dominated the agenda at international forums across the world. The same is expected to happen in Bali where the G20 Summit is underway. On October 12, 2002, the tourist hub of Kuta on the Indonesian island of Bali was the scene of the Bali bombings. The attack claimed 202 lives. 209 other persons suffered injuries. Ten years later, visitors honor the departed at the memorial

Bali Bombings: Name of 202 etched on memorial forever, attack on two nightclubs in Kuta

Survivors mark the Bali bombing, alongside families and friends of the victims, joining gatherings held near the site of the blasts in Indonesia and across Australia.

Bali marks 20 years since deadly bombings, survivors still battling trauma

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, &nbsp;the mastermind behind the attack has been released.

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Bashir was a radical cleric who led a local Al-Qaeda affiliate is now a free man. Many fear --- his release could make matters worse.&nbsp;

But, for the government of Indonesia Abu Bakar Bashir has suffered enough which is why-- he has now been released.

Bashir was escorted away by an elite anti-terrorism squad. Local officials say special measures were necessary. Due to Bashir's frail health and the pandemic. An explanation -- that's bound to anger the victims of the bombing. Abu Bakar Bashir is the former head of Jemaah Islamiyah. A group linked to the Al Qaeda. Accused of carrying out the Bali bombings in 2002.&nbsp;

An attack --- that had killed 22 British and 88 Australian citizens. Bashir has denied all links to the incident. While Indonesia --- struggled to prove his involvement. He was imprisoned in 2011 on completely different charges. A 15-year jail sentence for funding a training camp for terrorists.

Indonesia's President Joko Widodo wanted to release Bashir two years back. Just before the 2019 election, in a move that many saw as an attempt to appease the ultraconservatives.

But the decision was reversed after pushback from the Australian government. Now, Australia says Bashir's release was consistent with Indonesia's justice system.

Bashir has been released into the care of his family in central Java. Authorities say --- he will now enter a de-radicalisation program. While Bashir doesn't exercise the same kind influence over Jemaah Islamiyah as he used to. The victims are concerned --- about his ability to radicalise more people, as an ideologue.

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, the mastermind behind the attack has been released.

In 2002, a terrorist attack had shaken the world. It was a bombing in Bali that had killed more than 200 people. Many of them --- were foreign tourists. Today, Abu Bakar Bashir, the mastermind behind the attack has been released. Bashir was a radical cleric who led a local Al-Qaeda affiliate is now a free man. Many fear --- his release could make matters worse. But, for the government of Indonesia Abu Bakar Bashir has suffered enough which is why-- he has now been released. Bashir was escorted away by an elite anti-terrorism squad. Local officials say special measures were necessary. Due to Bashir's frail health and the pandemic. An explanation -- that's bound to anger the victims of the bombing. Abu Bakar Bashir is the former head of Jemaah Islamiyah. A group linked to the Al Qaeda. Accused of carrying out the Bali bombings in 2002. An attack --- that had killed 22 British and 88 Australian citizens. Bashir has denied all links to the incident. While Indonesia --- struggled to prove his involvement. He was imprisoned in 2011 on completely different charges. A 15-year jail sentence for funding a training camp for terrorists. Indonesia's President Joko Widodo wanted to release Bashir two years back. Just before the 2019 election, in a move that many saw as an attempt to appease the ultraconservatives. But the decision was reversed after pushback from the Australian government. Now, Australia says Bashir's release was consistent with Indonesia's justice system. Bashir has been released into the care of his family in central Java. Authorities say --- he will now enter a de-radicalisation program. While Bashir doesn't exercise the same kind influence over Jemaah Islamiyah as he used to. The victims are concerned --- about his ability to radicalise more people, as an ideologue.

Explained: Why mastermind of 2002 Bali bombing is released

Indonesia&#39;s most wanted Islamist extremist has been killed in a firefight with troops, police said today, ending a years-long hunt for the Islamic State (IS) group supporter. 
 
Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on mountainous Sulawesi island, where he had been hiding out in the jungle with a small band of followers. 
 
His death is a major victory for the Indonesian authorities who had pursued the extremist for five years, sending thousands of security forces to hunt for him. 
 
His group carried out a string of deadly attacks on domestic security forces and was known for training militants from around the archipelago. In 2014 he pledged allegiance to IS and earlier this year was placed by the United States on a list of global terrorists. 
 
&quot;It&#39;s definitely Santoso,&quot; Rudy Sufahriadi, police chief of central Sulawesi province on the island, told AFP after a process to identify the militant&#39;s body. &quot;I have hunted him and I have arrested him before, we have asked people and we have sent people (to identify the body) who fought with him and went on jihad with him - they have confirmed it was him.&quot; 
 
After Indonesia suffered a string of Islamic extremist attacks in the early 2000s, including the 2002 Bali bombings which killed more than 200, authorities launched a crackdown that weakened the most dangerous networks.&nbsp;But Santoso&#39;s group remained a thorn in the side of the government, with the long-haired, gun-toting militant regularly appearing in videos urging extremists to launch attacks on the security forces. 
 
Significant blow 
 
The picture has changed recently, with other cells now considered a greater threat - Santoso was not believed to have played role in an IS-claimed attack in Jakarta in January. But his death will still be seen as a significant blow to Islamic militancy in Indonesia. 
 
The extremist, known by several aliases including Abu Wardah, was killed alongside one other militant in Tambarana village in Poso district, an area that has become known as a terror hotbed. 
 
Police said the pair were killed beside a river and a rifle was recovered. Two women, one of whom was suspected to be Santoso&rsquo;s wife, and another man, escaped from the gunfight. 
 
Following a sustained campaign by security forces, authorities believe just 19 members of Santoso&#39;s group now remain on Sulawesi waging a guerrilla campaign against the government. 
 
Santoso also attracted militants from abroad, with several members of China&#39;s mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority travelling to Indonesia to join his group.&nbsp;Several were killed fighting with the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, and in July last year four Uighurs were jailed after being caught on Sulawesi attempting to join the group. 
 
Santoso became involved in Islamic extremism during bloody fighting between Muslims and Christians around Poso from the late 1990s to the early 2000s which left hundreds dead.&nbsp;He went on to form the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen and quickly jumped to the top of the most wanted list after his men began killing police officers. 
 
(AFP)

Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on the mountainous Sulawesi island

Indonesia's most wanted Islamist extremist has been killed in a firefight with troops, police said today, ending a years-long hunt for the Islamic State (IS) group supporter. Santoso, the leader of the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, was shot dead on Monday on mountainous Sulawesi island, where he had been hiding out in the jungle with a small band of followers. His death is a major victory for the Indonesian authorities who had pursued the extremist for five years, sending thousands of security forces to hunt for him. His group carried out a string of deadly attacks on domestic security forces and was known for training militants from around the archipelago. In 2014 he pledged allegiance to IS and earlier this year was placed by the United States on a list of global terrorists. "It's definitely Santoso," Rudy Sufahriadi, police chief of central Sulawesi province on the island, told AFP after a process to identify the militant's body. "I have hunted him and I have arrested him before, we have asked people and we have sent people (to identify the body) who fought with him and went on jihad with him - they have confirmed it was him." After Indonesia suffered a string of Islamic extremist attacks in the early 2000s, including the 2002 Bali bombings which killed more than 200, authorities launched a crackdown that weakened the most dangerous networks. But Santoso's group remained a thorn in the side of the government, with the long-haired, gun-toting militant regularly appearing in videos urging extremists to launch attacks on the security forces. Significant blow The picture has changed recently, with other cells now considered a greater threat - Santoso was not believed to have played role in an IS-claimed attack in Jakarta in January. But his death will still be seen as a significant blow to Islamic militancy in Indonesia. The extremist, known by several aliases including Abu Wardah, was killed alongside one other militant in Tambarana village in Poso district, an area that has become known as a terror hotbed. Police said the pair were killed beside a river and a rifle was recovered. Two women, one of whom was suspected to be Santoso’s wife, and another man, escaped from the gunfight. Following a sustained campaign by security forces, authorities believe just 19 members of Santoso's group now remain on Sulawesi waging a guerrilla campaign against the government. Santoso also attracted militants from abroad, with several members of China's mostly Muslim Uighur ethnic minority travelling to Indonesia to join his group. Several were killed fighting with the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen, and in July last year four Uighurs were jailed after being caught on Sulawesi attempting to join the group. Santoso became involved in Islamic extremism during bloody fighting between Muslims and Christians around Poso from the late 1990s to the early 2000s which left hundreds dead. He went on to form the eastern Indonesia Mujahideen and quickly jumped to the top of the most wanted list after his men began killing police officers. (AFP)

Indonesia's most wanted Islamist militant killed

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