When Actually Umar Patek Bali Bombing Convicts Can Breathe Free Air?

JAKARTA - It is said that the convicted Bali Bombing terrorist I Umar Patek will soon breathe free air. However, the exact time cannot be known because they are still waiting for a decision letter related to parole.

This was conveyed by the Public Relations Coordinator of the Directorate General of Corrections at the Ministry of Law and Human Rights (Kemenkumham) Rika Aprianti. According to him, Umar Patek is still waiting for a decision on parole.

"Until the issuance of the decision on parole, it will be known whether or not the parole will be approved or when the parole will begin for Umar Patek," Rika said when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 23.

Umar Patek, continued Rika, does have the right to apply for parole like other inmates. Moreover, the administrative and substantive requirements have been fulfilled.

"The conditions are good behavior, follow the coaching program properly, do not commit violations, and for terrorism cases, the NKRI pledge has been made," he said.

"For these conditions, Umar Patek has fulfilled them, so according to the applicable laws and regulations, he meets the requirements (applying for parole, ed)," added Rika.

Umar Patek is a former member of Jamaah Islamiyah who was involved in acts of terrorism. He was hunted by Indonesia, the United States, and Australia.

In fact, the Rewards For Justice Program once offered a reward of 1 million US dollars for anyone who could provide information to make an arrest.

In 2011, Umar was arrested by Pakistani security forces in Abbotabad. Furthermore, he claimed to have played a role in the 2002 Bali Bombings and Christmas Eve 2000.

In 2012, he was sentenced to 20 years in prison for his actions. He was found guilty on six counts, including assaulting a church during Christmas Eve Mass in 2000.