ABSTRACT
In October 2002, 202 people were killed in the bombing of two popular bars in Bali, Indonesia. Amrozi bin Nurhasyim, a 41-year-old mechanic, and member of Jemaah Islamiyyah, was the first of several convicted of the bombing. Upon hearing his sentence, Amrozi swiveled on his chair towards those in the courtroom and, with his two thumbs raised in approval, smiled broadly before raising his fists triumphantly. The press photographers did not hesitate to seize the opportunity, and Amrozi was immediately dubbed “the smiling bomber.” While some condemned Amrozi’s arrogance, others struggled to comprehend this unusual display. General Made Pastika, then Chief of Police in Bali, recalled his reaction: “I thought, these must be crazy people.” 1
