Jakarta – Despite indications of an overall decline in terrorism threats, extremist fugitives still have the potential to turn non-violent activists into would-be bombers, an NGO revealed Wednesday.

According to an analysis report issued by the International Crisis Group (ICG), extremist fugitives can easily transform sympathizers into radicals and drum up support for terrorism through something as simple as the presence of a charismatic leader. The Brussels-based group's analysis was based on the minutes of the trials of 10 convicted terrorists in Palembang, South Sumatra.

"The sobering revelation is how easy the transformation can be, if the right ingredients are present," ICG senior adviser to the Asia program Sidney Jones said Wednesday.

"In this case, the most important element in turning the group toward violence was charismatic leadership provided by two fugitives."

One of the men, Jones added, was a member of the regional jihadist group Jamaah Islamiyah (JI), who had fled Singapore in late 2001 with the recently rearrested Mas Selamat Kastari, wanted for multiple crimes committed in Maluku.