Events Arrest Abu Bakar Ba'asyir In Banjar

Canberra Australia - Abu Bakar Ba'asyir was arrested this morning on suspicion of involvement in terrorism. The Australian Government welcomed the arrest of 71-year-old man.

"Australia welcomes the fact that the Indonesian police today arrested Abu Bakar Baasyir in connection with violations related to alleged terrorism," said Minister of Foreign Affairs (Foreign Minister) of Australia Stephen Smith as quoted by The Australian, Monday (09/08/2010).

"Australia will be waiting for details of formal announcement by the Indonesian authorities before commenting further," he added.

The police claimed to have evidence of Abu Bakar Ba'asyir's involvement in a series of terrorist activities in Aceh and Cibiru, Bandung. Caregiver Ponpes Al Mukmin Ngruki was allegedly approve and fund the terrorist activities in Aceh.

"He knows all the training and planning activities in Aceh, regularly received reports from the field managers," said Head of Public Relations Inspector General Police Headquarters Edward Aritonang.

Baasyir has been in prison for nearly 26 months for conspiracy in 2002 Bali bomb attacks. However, he later declared innocent and freed in 2006.