Bali bombing survivor Connie Watson says it is "extremely disappointing" that the main bombmaker, Umar Patek, was released from an Indonesian jail on Wednesday night.
Ms Watson was severely injured in the 2002 attack, which killed her friend Carole Johnstone, and has worked hard to recover, both emotionally and physically.
Both women were from the seaside holiday town of Busselton and taught at the local high school.
In a cruel twist, Busselton Senior High School student Brendan Fitzgerald, was killed three years later, in the second series of terrorist bombings in Bali.
Busselton was believed to be the only WA country town which lost residents in both the 2002 and 2005 Bali terrorist attacks.
Extremely disappointing
Ms Watson returned to Busselton after spending months in hospital after the 2002 bombings.
She said news that Patek had been released was not unexpected — but stressed she would not let it affect her hard-won recovery.
Ms Watson said she had refused to put energy into worrying about the convicted terrorist.
"It's extremely disappointing," she said.
"I can't afford to invest in that decision or put energy into worrying about it.
"Nothing will change."
Ms Watson suffered burns to 14 per cent of her body, fractures and perforated eardrums.
But the keen athlete and swimmer has fought her way back to happiness, and said she treasured the return to her "boring suburban housewife life."
'Not justice'
Local Vasse MP Libby Mettam said the news of the release of the terrorist, after serving just over half of his 20-year sentence, was distressing.
She said the entire Busselton community had been deeply affected by the attacks in 2002 and 2005, and today's news would likely be met with pain and anger.
"This is not justice," she said.
"This is a deeply disappointing outcome for the Busselton community and every Australian who has been impacted by the tragic ... Bali attacks.
"It is gut-wrenching to hear that this individual has been able to leave jail over such a tragic and horrific incident."
"I imagine there would be a great deal of anger across a community that continues to hurt and will continue to hurt."
