An Indonesian Muslim militant who fought in Afghanistan was in charge of last year's Bali bombings and targeted the island because it was popular with "white people", a court heard today.
Reading the indictment of Mukhlas, alias Ali Ghufron, at the opening of his trial today, prosecutor Mr Putu Indriati said the attack was part of a plan to wage war on the United States.
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Islamic militant Ali Ghufron, alias Mukhlas, looks towards his lawyers during the opening day of his trial
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Mukhlas, a 43-year-old Muslim preacher, has been charged with plotting, organising and carrying out terror crimes.
The alleged operations head of Southeast Asia's radical Jemaah Islamiah Muslim network faces the death penalty if convicted over the October 12th atrocity that killed 202 people, mainly foreign tourists partying in nightclubs. Nearly 90 Australians were killed in the tragedy.
"The defendant felt grateful upon hearing a radio broadcast about the Bali bomb explosions because the purpose had been achieved and many victims from America's allies were killed, including Australians," Mr Indriati told the court.
The trial has now adjourned until next week.
Mukhlas is the third key suspect to face trial over the Bali blasts. More than 30 Muslim militants have been arrested over the attacks.
Later today, Australian tourists wounded in the attacks are expected to give evidence when the trial resumes of Amrozi, Mukhlas's younger brother and the first suspect to take the dock.
He has gained notoriety by laughing at Indonesian witnesses and has said he was proud the blasts killed white people.