JAKARTA - WITH the executions early yesterday of three Indonesian militants behind the 2002 Bali bombings, the focus is shifting to the hunt for a radical militant leader who allegedly masterminded the carnage.

Noordin was allegedly a key player behind some of JI's bloodiest attacks, including the 2002 bombings that killed over 200 mainly foreign tourists, and his continued run from the police has cast a shadow over successful Indonesian efforts to wind back the network. His arrest would help to break up the jihadi group.

But it would only be a start. Top militants, including bomb experts Dulmatin and Umar Patek, have evaded capture and are widely believed to be in the southern Philippines. Zulkarnaen, reportedly the Al-Qaeda pointman in South-east Asia, also remains on the run.

While Noordin's network of fighters has been decimated - and the majority of JI has turned its back on his ruthless style - he is likely to be hiding with the protection of JI acolytes within Indonesia, analyst Noor Huda Ismail said.

'It's still the ideology of JI members to protect their guests, especially fighter guests, even if they don't agree with their actions,' he said.

'In fact, the majority of them don't agree with the bombings but they agree that the enemy is the United States and its allies,' he said, adding that Noordin is likely to be on the move but not far from JI strongholds in Java.

The long six-year hunt for Noordin has produced a steady flow of tantalising near- misses. But a string of recent police arrests has raised hopes that police are closing in on Noordin, analysts said.

A police raid in and around Jakarta late last month is set to lead to charges against one militant believed to be linked to a Noordin ally, Malaysian master bombmaker Azahari Husin, who was shot dead by police in 2006.

Noordin's elusive movements, and his ability to plot attacks, have been strongly curtailed by the arrests, Singapore-based terrorism expert and analyst John Harrison said.

'He may try to camouflage himself, like changing clothes and using different types of hair colour. But since he's high-profile, camouflage isn't likely to work in the long haul, it will just buy him time if he's questioned by a police officer,' he said.

'More likely, he's remaining among his support network to keep himself out of the public eye.'

Dr Rohan Gunaratna, another Singapore-based analyst, said: 'Noordin Top has become more discreet in his meetings.

'The security environment has restricted his mobility and contact with others, many of his associates have been arrested or killed, and his network has diminished.'

However, Noordin has managed to keep organising attacks and has set up working links with a number of Indonesian militant organisations. 'Noordin Top poses a significant threat to Indonesia and the region,' Dr Gunaratna said.

AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE