Arrests in Indonesia - 2002-10-16

Indonesian police say they are preparing to arrest at least two individuals suspected of involvement in the deadly explosions on Saturday on the island of Bali. They were among those interrogated following the blasts at two nightclubs. At least 180 people, mostly foreign tourists, were killed in the incident. Meanwhile, it is reported that Megawati Sukarnoputri, the President of Indonesia, is on the verge of signing a decree that would allow police to detain suspected terrorists without trial. In Malaysia, security officials have arrested five suspected members of the extremist group Jamaah Islamiyah, believed to be involved in the Bali explosions. They say the suspects are not directly linked to the blasts but are accused of having connections with the terrorist network Al-Qaeda. In the latest news, Indonesian police have summoned the leader of an Islamic group said to be connected to Al-Qaeda for questioning. Abu Bakar Bashir is expected to present himself to Jakarta police on Saturday. Intelligence agencies from several countries say this 64-year-old cleric is the leader of Jamaah Islamiyah. The Indonesian government has stated it believes Al-Qaeda was involved in the deadly bombing on Saturday night on the tourist island of Bali. On Friday, the President of Indonesia is expected to issue a decree allowing government officials to suppress militant groups like Jamaah Islamiyah.