Radical cleric Abu Bakar Bashir has arrived at court amid cheers of "God is great" as he continues his bid to be freed from prison.
Just weeks after the deadly terror attack in Jakarta, 1800 police and military personnel were stationed at Cilacap in Central Java on Tuesday for his hearing, which has drawn hundreds of his supporters as well as members of the hardline group Islamic Defenders Front (FPI).
With few were let inside the court itself, many of the Bashir enthusiasts have been left to peer over the complex's walls or to follow the proceedings on screens outside.
Known in Australia as the spiritual leader of the militant group behind the 2002 Bali bombings, Jemaah Islamiah, Bashir was acquitted of masterminding that attack on appeal.
But he is now seeking early release from his 15-year sentence in 2011 over his support of a terrorist training camp in Aceh.
It was in this camp that police say those responsible for the January 14 assault in Indonesia's capital trained.
But the leader at the former military training camp in Aceh, Komarudin, told the court Bashir was not an early supporter of the group, nor were their activities "for terror".
It was only after the camp was surrounded by police that Bashir was contacted via the internet for help.
"We asked for his support in praying because he is the eldest among the clerics (so) his prayer would be granted," Komarudin said.
"Abu Bakar Bashir is the chosen one. Allah has given him the courage to speak justice," he added later.
Komarudin is among a number of witnesses expected to give evidence.
The commander of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Habib Rizieq is anticipated to be heard from, as well as terror convicts from Nusakambangan - the prison island where Bashir is held.
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