Bashir Consolidates Forces: Yogyakarta, Indonesia

First they let him out of jail early and then promise to keep an eye on his activities, but it does not seem to be the case. In Yogyakarta on the weekend firebrand cleric Abu Bakar Bashir gave a sermon to close a two day meeting of the hard-line Indonesian Mujahidin Council (MMI) which fights for the implementation of sharia law.

The frail 68 year old cleric said that in its attempts to promote Islamic law in the country the MMI must forge close cooperation with local administrations. MMI spokesman Fauzan Al-Anshori said the council's national meeting was aimed at consolidating the organization which had been left in disarray when Bashir was sentenced to jail.

When released after serving less than 26 months in Jakarta's Cipinang penitentiary for conspiracy in the first Bali bombings which killed 202 people and thrust Indonesia onto the front lines of the war on terror, Bashir received a hero's welcome from his supporters.

What disturbed me in particular was when I watched the early morning news Bashir was quoted as saying that ALL Australians are infidels. And he said that In Yogyakarta, the very place I am returning to!. Statements like that from such an influential person are in my opinion innuendos strongly promoting violence, but, the National Police have said they would be monitoring Bashir's activities including his sermons. Did they?.