Bali bombing convict launches coffee business, pledges support for survivors

An Indonesian man convicted over the deadly 2002 Bali nightclub bombings has launched a coffee business after being released on parole, saying he will use part of the earnings to help survivors of the attacks. Umar Patek, a member of the al-Qaeda-linked Jemaah Islamiyah group, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2012 for assembling the explosives that tore through two Bali nightclubs, killing 202 people—including 88 Australians and 38 Indonesians. He was released on parole in December 2022 and has since publicly apologised to the victims and their families. Patek’s release sparked outrage in both Indonesia and Australia, where many felt the punishment did not reflect the severity of the crime. On Tuesday (3 June), Patek formally launched his coffee brand “Ramu Kopi” at a café in Surabaya, East Java. A large banner bearing his face was displayed at the event. The name “Ramu,” he explained, is a reversal of his own name, Umar. “Ramu, when reversed, is Umar. This is not just coffee—it’s about choosing a new life,” he told attendees.

Second chance

Recalling how the coffee venture began, Patek said the idea took shape after his release from Porong Prison, when dentist David Andreasmito, owner of Hedon Estate, offered to support him. “He kept offering me money, but I turned it down. That wasn’t what I needed. I needed work,” Patek said. Eventually, when David visited him at home and was served a cup of coffee Patek had prepared, he was impressed and encouraged him to pursue it further. That moment, Patek said, marked the beginning of the business. The business, now owned by David, uses beans supplied and roasted by Patek. David said he wanted to support Patek’s reintegration into society, believing in his remorse and commitment to change. He expressed hope that the business would benefit the wider community, including survivors of the Bali bombings. “I was still shell-shocked by the outside world,” Patek admitted, describing the difficulty of finding work after his release. “The stigma of being a former terrorism convict made it hard for me to find a job.” He acknowledged that many remain angry with him but pleaded the public “not to let that doubt stick,” adding that a portion of his earnings would go towards supporting victims.

Deradicalised, but not forgotten: Survivors seek action beyond apologies

Indonesian authorities have highlighted Patek’s case as an example of the country’s deradicalisation programme—part of broader efforts to combat Islamic extremism in the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation. Among those present at the launch was Chusnul Chotimah, a survivor of the bombings who suffers from severe burn injuries and continues to struggle with the cost of medical treatment. She jostled through the crowd to speak directly to Patek. “I used to hold grudges against you. I forgive you for what you did. I know you’ve changed for the better,” she told him. Later, Chusnul said she hoped Patek would offer tangible support to the survivors. “Don’t just say sorry,” she said. Another survivor, Tumini, speaking from Denpasar, Bali, said she still faces mounting medical expenses and urged the government to prioritise assistance for victims who remain in recovery.