Indonesia: Execution of Bali bombers · Global Voices
Mong Palatino

Indonesia is waiting for two events this month of November: the victory of Barack Obama (who lived in Jakarta for five years); and the execution of three Bali bombers – Imam Samudra, Amrozi Nurhasyim and Ali Ghufron.
The Bali bombing in 2002 killed 202 people – 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians. The bomb attack was supposedly a form of protest against the US-led invasion of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The three bombers were sentenced to death five years ago. No date has been announced for the day of execution but it is expected to take place this week. The family of one of the bombers will file a complaint if the execution will push through.
The case has dragged on for so long because of legal issues. Spruiked: djak style explains:
“The Bali bombers have been a thorn in the side of the Indonesian Government for many reasons, not only the rather dramatic annihilation of 202 partying bules and the Indonesians serving them. Their lawyers have tested the patience of the Attorney-General. They have tried everything from accusations of corruption, to challenging the law under which the bombers were charged and convicted. When that didn’t work, they took the unprecedented step of challenging the means of execution – death by firing squad – as unconstitutional. They’re not finished yet: this week they threatened to take the Government to the International Court of Justice.”
In light of the imminent execution, police is on heightened alert today. SMS bomb threats are spreading. Wazeen's blog observes:
“On my way to the Blitz Megaplex at Grand Indonesia Plaza, I saw some police “bomb dociler”car at the the lobby of the plaza, and on my way home to Ciputat my taxi was stopped, and I was investigated by the police near Pondok Indah Mall, and the police sniffed some metal stuffs in my macbook's charger, they were very suspicious to all wires in my backpack, and they also took a look to my pack of rice that I brought.
“The taxi driver complained that during the day he got only a few guests, and in the mall and other shopping centers there were only a few people.”
The embassies of the United States and Australia both received serious threats. Australia has issued a travel warning advising residents about the security threats in Indonesia. It also raised a terror alert.
Authorities have a reason to fear. The bombers have written an open letter encouraging their supporters to retaliate after they are executed. Excerpts from the open letter:
“You, the little people, will be easy to ‘smack down’ by the mujahideen.”
“You will be defeated in this world and will be taken to hell.”
“Who doesn't know that the toothless giant, the US infidel and their allies, are now dying.
“You think, if you execute the three of us, you can walk freely, there's no way.”
“Remember: there's not one free Muslim blood drop!”
Hardship Posting also quotes from the letter:
“It says that if Allah destines them to die from the bullets of police then it will be a savage action.
“To all Islamic people, especially Mujahidin wherever they are, it is your obligation to claim war and kill the persons involved in the execution, like Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, (the President) Jusuf Kalla,(vice-president) Andi Mattalatta (Justice Minister), Hendarman Supandji (AG), AH Ritonga (special crimes prosecutor), all the Judges and prosecutors, Hindus, Kaffir and hypocrite Christians and all the execution team, American's slaves etc,” the letter says.
“They further call for all supporters of their execution to also be killed.
“And they say that for Mujahidin everywhere, including Osama bin Laden, to ‘get revenge, blood with blood, life with life.”
The bombers claim they are ready for the execution. See video below:
A Jihadi Cemetery is being proposed where all Jihadists who sacrificed their lives can be buried. Some Indonesians are even donating their land for this burial ground. The RAB Experience comments:
“It is almost comical in a sense the competition that is being generated with regards to signing up the families of the soon to be dead killers to a burial spot.”
Treespotter criticizes the exaggerated media coverage of the issue:
“The over-coverage and over-scrutiny in the media circus turned these three convicted bombers to instant bumper stickers for an entire new generation of poor Javanese children.
“A few hundred thousand kids in Java would be named after the three convicted murderers. They are now stuff of legends. Bookies are now placing national odds. They will appear before the names of people they killed on Google search.
“The television coverage disgusted me. The whole thing just disturbs me. I don’t think they deserve it.”
The bombers want a “painless death.” My Busy Brain reacts:
“Whatta..f&$K?!  They should’ve been stoned to death like in the Arab country, if they are ‘real moslems’.
“So, bombing Kuta didn’t cause any pain for the 202 people? Didn’t cause pain for the families? Didn’t cause pain for the Balinese because of the low tourism? Didn’t cause pain for the whole Indonesians? I have seen people, good people, die of cancer in agony.  So why would they deserve a humane execution?
“An eye for an eye. Pick your bullet yourself.  That’s the most that I would have told them.  Which, makes me think of what kind of really good death penalty that will not waste the flesh of a human being are good for the convicts.”
terlambat 6 bulan on the lesson to be learned from the issue:
“If I can wish something from this execution is that let’s just make it as a lesson, enough stubbornest about the idea that terrorism is a way to make a better world, at least three persons prove it wrong. I hope that there will be no other person being executed for this foolish idea but more importantly that there will not be any other victim of terrorism.”
Maruscha does not support a death sentence for the bombers:
“I know they have done such a bad thing, they ruined Indonesia's dignity in front of other countries. What is sad though, none of them regretted doing such thing. They were proud and felt like celebrities because all the attentions were on them. One of them even titled as “The Smiling Bomber.” Sad.
“But my question is, do they deserve to die? I believe none in this world deserve to die, all of us have a right to live, even though we did such a bad thing, we still deserve a chance.
“A lot of people are opposing the execution, even some groups in Australia whose citizens are the most killed are now opposing the execution.
“I think it is already happened and executing them will not bring anything back. How much I hate their sins, I don't think they deserve to die. Sooner or later they will be executed anyway.
“I am just wondering what they are thinking at the moment, do they finally regret doing that or do they still think that they have done a good deed and now ready to be taken to ‘heaven'?”