Melbourne University Centre for Indonesian Law Professor Tim Lindsey says Umar Patek’s release from prison is a “wider strategy by the Indonesian government” in dealing with Islamic militant groups.

“It’s a carrot and stick approach,” Professor Lindsey told Sky News host Chris Kenny.

“The stick is their famous ... anti-terror battalion that often seems to throw away the rule books and is engaged in shootouts and attacks that have resulted in the killing of many Islamist militants and suspects.

“The carrot is, however, that if these militants can show that they’ve deradicalised or at least are willing to comply with Indonesian state's expectations … then they will receive benefits.”

свернуть