TAWAU, Malaysia -- The killing of regional terrorist Dulmatin on March 9 has provided Indonesia with another victory in its campaign against Jemaah Islamiya (JI), while also proving timely: Dulmatin was shot dead just as Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono arrived in Australia, where Dulmatin is widely despised for his involvement in the 2002 Bali bombings that left more than 200 dead, among them 88 Australians.
Yudhoyono announced Dulmatin's death during a conveniently arranged press conference in Canberra. But he is also likely to raise it as a subject of conversation during U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Indonesia in June, when Yudhoyono will be out to promote his country's credentials in cracking down on terrorism.
Most agree Indonesia has impressed with its ability to weed out terrorists, compared to countries like Malaysia and the Philippines, which have struggled.