Umar Patek, the man behind the Bali bombings, has appeared in a jail advertisement in Indonesia, saying he sought to put an end to the 2002 carnage.
Patek can be seen smiling and joking in the remarkable video that Porong jail in East Java broadcast on its YouTube account. He is conversing with prison governor Jalu Yuswa Panjang.
The Sari Club and Paddy’s Bar explosions, which resulted in the deaths of 202 innocent people, including 88 Australians, according to 52-year-old Patek, were only carried out because the scheme was “far advanced.”
More than 200 individuals were murdered in the attacks in 2002, including 88 Australians.
On October 12, 2002, at about 11 p.m., three bombs exploded in Bali, one in front of the American embassy and two others in popular nightclubs, the Sari Club and Paddy’s Bar.
The blasts left 202 people dead, including 88 Australians, and hundreds more injured.
The assaults, which were carried out by the terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah, resulted in the greatest single loss of life from terrorism in Australia.
After the assaults, more than 30 persons were detained for their participation.
Immediately after the assaults, the Australian Defence Force mobilized, and 17 hours later, the first RAAF aircraft arrived to transport wounded Australians to safety. At least 66 seriously wounded patients were airlifted to Darwin for treatment in what was the greatest aero-medical evacuation since the Vietnam War.
The military then provided support for further transportation of individuals from Darwin to medical facilities around the nation.
Source: Australian National Museum
As they leisurely wander about the jail grounds, he says, “My error was to be associated with the Bali bombing.”
“When I realized that the bomb was going to be detonated, I said I didn’t want to do that.”
The bomb weighed roughly 950 kilograms, and everything was prepared. Ready.’
Patek, whose true name is Hisyam bin Ali Zein, belonged to Jemaah Islamiah, a fanatical Islamic terrorist organization.
He said that after participating in the attack with terror organizations supported by al-Qaeda in the Philippines, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, he did not return to Indonesia.
He claims, “I didn’t travel to Indonesia to participate in the Bali bomb project.”
“Even when I first learned about it, I strongly opposed it.”
‘At the moment, I inquired of the others as to the rationale for the offensive strategy. There was no justification.
In the video, Governor Panjang refers to Patek as “our buddy” and even seems to be attempting to improve his romantic situation.
In the first line of the 20-minute film, the governor states, “This morning I joined our brother Umar Patek, our buddy in Block F.”
“Today we will discuss with him who precisely is Umar Patek. Many are ignorant. Perhaps there are a lot of women out there that are curious?
Following their pleasant walk, they shake hands.
Patek, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2014 for his part in creating the bomb, might be released this month after spending less than half of that time.
He may be released on parole long before the 20th anniversary of the assault thanks to many remissions for good behavior.
Umar Patek, the man behind the Bali bombings, may be seen on the left in a promotional movie for the Indonesian prison where he is being imprisoned.
In the video, Patek converses cordially with Pajong Prison Governor Jalu Yuswa Panjang and claims he opposed the attack but agreed to proceed since the scheme was thoroughly developed.
The prisoner was urged to discuss his daily routine by Governor Panjang, who favours Patek’s early release.
“My pals and I spend a lot of time at the mosque. I work at a little business as well,’ Patek said.
The jailed terrorist declared his desire to cooperate with the Indonesian authorities in the fight against radicalization.
“I’d want to assist the authorities in spreading awareness of the problem, especially among millennials and maybe incarcerated terrorists.” said Patek.
I’m willing to assist the directorate general of institutions, whether they are prisons or other detention centers.
After completing just roughly half of his first 20-year sentence, Umar Patek might be set free in a matter of days.
According to Patek, radicalization is still an issue in Indonesia.
God willing, I’ll be able to reunite with my family once again, he remarked.
“In my view, radicalism is still present. Any area or nation might contain it. given that the roots are still present.
June Corteen of Perth, whose twin children perished in the bombings, has exploded in rage at Patek’s possible parole, claiming that he is unworthy of any mercy.
“I don’t think he’s changed,” She told Channel Seven, “I don’t think he thinks he understands what he’s done wrong.
“Plz don’t let him go. Keep a watch on him for the rest of his life and don’t let him escape, please.
Patek’s likely release was reported less than two months before the bombs’ 20th anniversary in October (pictured, the site of the horrific blast)
Jan Laczynski, a Melbourne resident who lost five friends in the Bali bombings, voiced grave skepticism on Patek’s change of heart.
He is speaking all of this in a prison with great security. When you’re out and about, mingling with all the individuals who first pointed him in this direction, it’s quite different,’ he told the ABC.
According to Indonesian terrorism specialist Muhamad Syauqillah, 10% of terrorists who are or claim to be de-radicalized later relapse into extremism.
‘How authorities handle the deradicalization programs following their release is very much reliant on whether former convicts re-engage with terrorism,’ he added.
When he is released, “that process must continue and not end.”