The Australian Government is continuing to liaise with the United States Department of Defense (US DoD) in relation to ongoing proceedings to prosecute Encep Nurjaman, also known as Riduan Isomudin and Hambali.
Hambali is alleged by US authorities to be the orchestrator of both the 2002 Bali bombings and the 2003 Marriott bombing. He was arrested in Thailand by Thai and US authorities in 2003 and arraigned in Guantanamo Bay with two alleged co-conspirators in August 2021. The legal proceedings against his co-conspirators have been finalised following their entering of guilty pleas. Hambali's proceedings remain open, and he is set to be tried by a US Military Tribunal for offences including murder in violation of the law of war, attacking civilians and terrorism. Given the complexity of the case, specific timings are difficult to predict, with proceedings expected to continue in Guantanamo Bay in mid-late 2027.
The US DoD's Office of Military Commissions and Victim/Witness Assistance Program (VWAP) maintain primacy for updates regarding these proceedings and support for those persons affected by the events. They have requested Australian Government assistance to identify Australian survivors, the next of kin of those killed in the attacks, and other Australians who were directly affected by or witnessed the attacks or their aftermath. To assist with this and ensure all Australians affected are provided the opportunity, the AFP has renewed a previous registration of interest process.
The AFP Registration of Interest process will enable affected Australians to:
- receive updates on the US Military Tribunal proceedings from relevant US authorities;
- indicate their interest in attending proceedings at Guantanamo Bay, or viewing proceedings through arrangements that may be made available by US authorities; and
- indicate interest in being considered by US authorities as a potential witness in the proceedings, either within the trial or in any pending sentencing matters involving the provision of victim impact statements. Registration is required by 20 August 2026 (AEST) to meet US Court Timelines.
Please note this is an update to the previous AFP registration process conducted in 2023, and those who registered in 2023 are requested to refresh their contact details by re-registering.
Provision of personal information to the AFP is voluntary. However, please note we will require your agreement to the collection and use of your personal information in order to contact you and to facilitate your contact with US authorities.
We recognise Australian survivors and bereaved next of kin with a connection to the 2002 Bali bombings and 2003 Jakarta bombing, may have different wishes regarding ongoing contact from the AFP and other agencies. Some may no longer wish to receive direct contact, while others may wish to maintain or to renew contact. We also recognise family circumstances may have changed over time.
We acknowledge the ongoing US Military Tribunal proceedings may cause distress or strong emotions for many Australians. We will continue to work to support and respect your diverse needs and wishes through this process.
If you require any further information, please contact Bali2002updates@afp.gov.au.