Bali bombers paid $11 for each victim

The Bali bombers were paid a bounty of about $11 for each person they killed in the October 12 attack.

They were paid a "thank-you" for the operation's success following the deadly bombings, Sydney's Daily Telegraph newspaper reported yesterday.

After the attack, some of those involved met in central Java at the behest of the ringleader and bombing mastermind, Addul Azis, aka Imam Samudra.

Indonesian police chief Edward Aritonang said Samudra then distributed US$1000 ($1996) to his men.

Mr Aritonang said at least five of the bombers were believed to have been at the meeting.

The death toll stands at more than 180, including three New Zealanders and more than 70 Australians, therefore the group of bombers would have been paid about US$5.50 ($11) a person killed when the sum was divided among themselves.

But Mr Aritonang said the money was divided proportionately among the men, with some receiving more than others depending on their roles.

"They were given the money to say thank you about the Bali bombing success."

It is understood the bombers met in Solo, central Java, the same place they gathered at on August 2 to plan their attack.

Those at the meeting included Aziz, accused of running the operation; Amrozi, who has confessed to his role in securing the bomb materials and bringing them to Bali; Dulmatin, the electronics expert who helped to build the bombs and who detonated them; Idris, who organised finance; and Amrozi's brother Ali Imron.

The post-blast meeting provides police with a possible lead on where the suspects may be hiding.

Only Amrozi has been arrested so far. The 40-year-old waved and smiled at journalists while in police custody last week.

The others are expected to have gone into hiding across Java.

Suspicion is increasing that they are being protected in Islamic boarding houses.

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