Alleged JI member on trial

JAKARTA: An alleged member of the Jamaah Islamiyah (JI) terrorist network stood trial on Wednesday at the South Jakarta District Court for conspiracy to commit terrorism, targeting National Police headquarters and foreign interests in the capital.

Defendant Slamet Widodo, alias Pepen, 37, is being charged under Law No. 15/2003 on antiterrorism and faces at least 15 years in jail.

Reading the indictment, prosecutor Wahab Arief said Slamet, who had fought in Afghanistan, attended a series of meetings from January to May 2003 to plan terror attacks.

"The plan was to attack the enemies of Islam and heathens in the country," he told the courtroom. The indictment did not specify the targeted foreign interests.

The defendant is also being tried for his central role in procuring explosives and other materials for the attacks.

Presiding judge Ridwantoro adjourned the trial until Feb. 26, when the defense will be heard. -- JP