Enceng Kurnia was not any terrorist. He was closely linked to Rios, a terrorist involved in the attack against the Australian Embassy on 9 September 2004. Trained first in Afghanistan, then Mindanao (southern Philippines), he played mentor to Imam Samudra, one of the Bali bombers, according to police. The attack in Bali in 2002 killed more than 200 people.
Police spokesman Edward Aritonang denied claims Jaia was affiliated with Jemaah Islamiyah, a terror group to which Imam Samudra belonged. Instead, it is more likely he was tied to the Indonesian Islamic State, a new group set up following the break-up of Darul Islam.
Meanwhile, the authorities are getting closer to mopping a number of Islamic terror cells, especially in Aceh province—a strategic spot for Islamist training—, and in sensitive spots in the capital.
The Indonesian cabinet has added an additional 4,000 special army troops to boost security a few days before US President Barack Obama makes an official visit to the country.
Originally set for 22 March, the visit will start on 25 March because the US leader is being retained at home pending the approval of his health care bill, currently before Congress.