(Image Credit: BBC )

 

BY CELIA MURRAY

 

ANCHOR ANA COMPAIN-ROMERO

 

The man charged with building the massive explosive used in the 2002 Bali Bombing is on trial in Jakarta. Umar Patek is the last member of the radical Islamic cell behind the attacks to face justice. KTVU reports .

 

“He’s accused of plotting the 2002 Bali nightclub bombings. 202 people were killed in those explosions. Three others have already been tried and executed for the attack.”

 

The Bali bombings were the largest terrorist attacks on the Indonesian and Australian people. According to authorities Patek was overseas for nine years hiding out in the Philippines and Pakistan looking for other terrorism opportunities. That, while dozens of other extremists stood trial for the bombings.

 

Patek was arrested in 2011 in the same Pakistani city where U.S. Navy SEALs found Osama bin Laden.  

 

Some analysts were surprised there was a lack of support for Patek at this trial. Whereas most of his predecessors were seen as martyrs and had followers chanting at hearings, Patek didn’t enjoy the same level of support.

 

The Age explored this issue , and notes he does have a following among members of terrorist splinter groups.

 

“Analysts believe the most significant terror threats in Indonesia today are from splinter jihadists, small groups of Islamic fundamentalists that form and disappear rapidly... Despite the changing terror landscape and the minimal fanfare at court ... 45-year-old Patek still commands among his old ... networks. "

 

Many international observers are calling Patek’s trial a victory for anti-terrorism in Indonesia . CNN notes,

 

“Indonesian authorities have tried and convicted hundreds of terrorists since the 2002 bombing. The arrests of senior militants with combat experience have weakened the terror network...”

 

But a correspondent for the BBC suggests in the long run, Patek’s trial might not be the anti-terrorism victory some observers say it is.

 

“There's a new strain of militancy in this country, they say. Although the apparent goal appears to be the same, turning Indonesia into an Islamic state, the targets are no longer necessarily foreign...”

 

Instead, the BBC reports, recent terrorist targets have been local officials. As for Patek — he faces charges of premeditated murder and bomb-making. If convicted, he could face the death penalty.