Indonesia's president has signed a decree giving the government the power to ban radical organisations, in a move aimed at outlawing groups behind an apparent rise in the political clout of hardline Islam.

The death of Osama bin Laden was celebrated around the world as a victory for justice, but many cautioned that it would not end terrorist attacks or ease suffering of those who lost loved ones in al Qaida bombings.

Former general Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono maintained a commanding lead in Indonesia’s first direct presidential election today with nearly three-quarters of the votes counted, according to the country’s election commission.

Supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid in Indonesia have burned down two offices of the former ruling party in protest against moves by parliament to oust him from power.