Indonesia Releases Convicted Bali Bomber on Parole

Facts

• On Wednesday, Indonesia released Umar Patek — the Islamic militant sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 for his involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings — on parole for good behavior in prison after serving little more than half his sentence. Indonesian authorities claim Patek, also known as Hisyam bin Alizein, had been reformed and will help to deradicalize young militants.
• In a statement announcing his freedom, Indonesia's law and human rights ministry said Patek will be required to join a "mentoring program" until April 2030. The ministry affirmed that his parole would be revoked if he violates any of its terms.
• Patek was convicted for making the explosives used in the 2002 Bali bombings that ripped through two nightclubs in Kuta — killing 202 tourists, including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians.
• Australia's Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles called it a "difficult day" for Australian families who lost loved ones and relatives in the 2002 bombings.
• Peter Hughes, a Bali bombing survivor who gave evidence at Patek's trial, doesn't believe Patek was a changed man. "There is a history of people like him; they won't stop. For him to be let out is laughable," Hughes stated.
• Patek's freedom comes the same day an Islamist militant convicted of terrorism charges and out on parole, attacked a police station in Bandung, killing himself and a police officer. The militant was outraged by Indonesia's new criminal code, which has provisions to combat Islamist extremism.

Sources: Diplomat, Sbs, Washington Post, 7 News, Abc, and Reuters.

Narratives

• Establishment-critical narrative, as provided by West. Human rights are sacrosanct, yet the thought of Patek living a normal life is difficult to bear. Patek's release will cause fresh trauma for survivors and the victims' grieving families, who still find it hard to process what happened 20 years ago. Allowing a dangerous terrorist to walk free is injustice, a slap in the face, and an absolute disgrace.
• Pro-establishment narrative, as provided by Jakarta Post. Patek's rehabilitation has been closely monitored by Indonesian authorities. After undergoing a deradicalization program he has shown changes and has pledged allegiance to Indonesia. Such a gesture is important for humane criminal justice policies, and to support the deradicalization of youth who may be under the sway of Islamist extremism.
• Narrative C, as provided by SMH. The anger and disappointment surrounding Patek's early release could severely dent Australia-Indonesia diplomatic relations. Though his freedom is Indonesia's internal matter and concerns its domestic legal processes, Jakarta must assure Australia that he will be kept under intensive supervision and monitored 24x7 — there are geopolitical implications to this "rehabilitation process."