Suspects in Bali bombing

Who are the suspects being linked to the Bali attack?

Jemaah Islamiyah (Islamic Group)


A militant organisation with ties to Al Qaeda operating throughout Southeast Asia since 1997 with the aim of transforming the region into an Islamic state.

Reportedly led by Indonesian cleric Abu Bakar Bashir but mainly operating out of Malaysia and Singapore. A Singapore cell acquired four tonnes of ammonium nitrate (a fertiliser that can be used as an explosive) which has not yet been found.

Riduan Isamuddin


Also known as Hambali, this Indonesian disciple of Bashir has been linked to plots to blow up US targets in Singapore and Malaysia, attack US shipping in the Straits of Malacca and hijack an airliner and crash it into Changi Airport in Singapore.

An associate of Hambali allegedly housed two of the September 11 hijackers and the "20th hijacker", Zacarias Moussaoui.

Laskar Jihad


A violent group seeking to rid Indonesian islands Sulawesi and the Moluccas of Christians. Its leader, Jaffar Umar Thalib, claims to have met Osama bin Laden while fighting in Afghanistan during the late 70s.

US intelligence believes Laskar Jihad's connections to al Qaeda are closer than the group admits, although it doesn't normally act outside of the islands.

FPI (Defenders of Islam)


A radical Islamic group which for the past two years has been attacking Indonesian nightspots seen as threats to its religion.

Thirteen members were arrested last week after 600 supporters stoned a nightclub and stole equipment from two other bars.

Founded in 1998, the FPI is reportedly funded by anti-reformist generals wanting to protect the interests of the rich elite. Not known to be present in Bali.

* * *

Bali messages

New Zealand travellers in Bali, and their families in New Zealand, can post messages on our Bali Messages page.

Foreign Affairs advice to New Zealanders

* Travellers should defer travel to Bali

* NZers in Bali should keep a low profile and remain calm

* Foreign Affairs Hotline: 0800 432 111

Feature: Bali bomb blast

Related links