Indonesia has executed a man for killing 42 women and girls in a series of ritual slayings.

An Attorney General Office spokesman said 57-year-old Ahmad Suradji was killed by firing squad late Thursday.

Police have said Suradji lured his victims to a sugarcane field near his home and then strangled them before reburying their bodies with the heads pointing toward his house.

He apparently believed the 11-year killing spree increase his magical powers.