Indonesian President admits Bali bomber killed in Jakarta raid

Jakarta, Mar. 10 : Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has confirmed that Jemaah Islamiah leader Dulmatin, the key accused in 2002 Bali bombings, has been killed in a raid in Jakarta.

While authorities in Jakarta continued to insist that they are yet to complete forensic test to establish that Dulmatin has been killed, Dr Yudhoyono made the surprise admission saying that he was one of three men shot dead in an internet cafe in Jakarta.

However, Indonesia''s minister for politics, law and security Djoko Suyanto immediately cast doubt on the pronouncement.

"It''s not confirmed yet to be Dulmatin; I have asked the chief of police, and there is not yet certainty. To be absolutely certain we need to conduct DNA tests," The Australian quoted Suyanto, as saying.

The confusion over the identity and timing of the assassination-style killing of Dulmatin raises questions about political motivations for the raid, which came a week before US President Barack Obama''s trip to Jakarta.