Anti-terrorism efforts in Indonesia

Since the Bali Bombing of 12 October 2002 the Indonesian government has taken various measures to eradicate terrorism. The government promulgated the Anti-terrorism Law in 2002, which categorised a terrorist act as an extraordinary crime. Subsequently, the three persons most responsible – Imam Samudra, Amrozi and Mukhlas – were brought to justice, convicted and sentenced to death. On 9 November 2008, the three were executed by firing squad. In spite of its earnestness to prevent terrorism, the government has not succeeded in substantially diminishing the incidence of terrorism in Indonesia. Several terrorist attacks in Jakarta and Bali attracted international attention. On 5 August 2003 the J W Marriott Hotel in Jakarta was attacked. One year after, on 9 September 2004, the Australian Embassy, also in Jakarta, was targeted. Subsequently, on 1 October 2005, Bali was attacked a second time. The most recent attacks occurred in Jakarta on 17 July 2009, when the J W Marriott was bombed again, this time simultaneously with the Ritz Carlton Hotel.