I'm not very comfortable discussing the keris in this matter Fenlander but here's my take on the subject none of these statements are intended to be absolutes, simply one person's opinion.
The keris is a 'bent elbow' thrusting weapon made to penetrate the soft parts of the body. Some dapurs are better suited for this particular task than others. A Bugis sepokal for instance is a very efficient form for killing.
In my view asassination is an act that generates negative Karma; if a keris were to be made with prayers and rituals to enhance its killing power I for one would not like to own or be in the presence of such an object.
I believe that Ken Arok from Javanese history or myth comissioned such a keris much to his regret.
It is (when used to kill) primarily a stealth weapon; not something one brandishes about and duels with unless of course the intended victim escapes the initial strike and is likewise armed. Also in war the keris is seen as a weapon of last resort.
The Bali keris due to its larger size may possibly be viewed in a different light than the keris of Jawa and other places in the archipelago.
Any keris could be used to asassinate as could any other edged weapon in the Indonesian arsenal; for instance a badek is smaller and more easy to conceal and as we know 2.5 inches penetration to the trunk is all it takes to inflict a fatal wound.
Ninjas ...
