Jakarta (AsiaNews/Agencies) – At least 12 militants jailed over the 2002 Bali bombings have had their sentences reduced to mark August 17, Indonesia's Independence Day. At least one will actually go free.

Nine prisoners serving sentences between five and 16 years had their sentences cut by four months, Bali's Kerobokan prison chief Ilham Djaya said.

Three other Bali bombing convicts in Balikpapan (Eastern Kalimantan) were also expected to receive four-month sentence reductions, paving the way for one, Puryanto, to walk free.

Those who benefit from Thursday's remissions played relatively minor roles in the suicide bombings—from carrying out robberies to finance the attacks to helping shelter the main suspects.

Indonesia traditionally has a prisoner remission programme on August 17, the day it celebrates the end of Dutch colonial rule. Similar reductions are given on major religious celebrations.

It is estimated that some 54,000 convicts will have their sentences reduces.

The Bali bombings were the work of an extremist Islamic group, Jemaah Islamiyah, which killed 202 people, including 88 Australians. A total of 33 people were jailed over the attacks.

Under the Indonesian system, all prisoners are eligible for remission on Independence Day, so long as they are not sentenced to either life in prison or death.

Three militants—Amrozi, Ali Gufron and Imam Samudr—sentenced for their role in Bali are due to face the death penalty later this month.

Australia has already protested against the remission. Last month Canberra did the same upon the release of Abu Bakar Bashir, a Muslim cleric whose 30-month sentence for conspiracy in the 2002 Bali blasts was reduced to 26 months for Independence Day

For Brian Deegan, an Australian whose son Josh was among the killed in Bali, this "shows that the Indonesians aren't serious about fighting terrorism".

A spokesman for Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said that it "is difficult for most Australians to comprehend that such prisoners have received reduced sentences. This is particularly painful for victims and their families. But granting remissions is a long-standing practice in Indonesia, and is in accordance with Indonesia's legal system." (PB)