Since Patek’s release, Indonesian authorities have highlighted him as an example of the deradicalisation efforts launched by the world’s most populous Muslim-majority country to counter a resurgence in Islamic militancy.
Chusnul Chotimah, a survivor of the Bali attacks who is covered in burn scars and says she struggles to pay for life-saving treatments, jostled in front of the crowd to speak to Patek at the launch.
“I used to have grudges against you,” she said. “I forgive you for what you did. I know you’ve changed for the better.”
Chusnul later said she hoped Patek could help out the survivors. “Don’t just say sorry,” she said.
Tumini, another survivor, said in Bali’s capital Denpasar that she is still struggling to pay for her treatment and that government aid should be prioritised for victims still in recovery.
