On Wednesday, hundreds of people gathered on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to mark 20 years since a pair of bombings killed 202. Most of them international tourists. Among the dead were 88 Australians and 7 Americans.
Two hundred people paid their respects at memorial services held concurrently in numerous locations around Australia and at the Australian Consulate in Denpasar, Bali. The services were attend by survivors of the 2002 terrorist attack and family members of the victims.
Many people still feel the effects of the horror they experienced on a Saturday night in October 2002. When a vehicle bomb went off in the Sari Club. A suicide bomber detonated his explosives at the adjoining Paddy’s Pub. For many countries, including Indonesia and Australia, that night will never be forget.
After a brief period of calm following the attack. The popular tourist destination is once again experiencing brisk weekend traffic and a steady influx of visitors. While the former site of Sari Club is now a vacant lot. Paddy’s Pub has reopened a short distance away, within walking distance (100 m/300 ft).
Less than fifty meters (yards) away from the bombing sites is a memorial bearing the names of the victims. On a regular basis, visitors come to pray and leave memorials of flowers, candles, and flags bearing pictures of loved ones.
SILENCE FOR ONE MINUTE
On Wednesday, the Australian consulate general in Bali also organized a memorial for the victims of the recent attacks. Wreaths were laid, and several mourners embrace one another and shed tears during the one minute of silence that was hold.
Today, Bali will be the site of ongoing memorials and vigils, including one organized by law enforcement.
Indonesia, with the help of Australia and the United States, form an elite anti-terrorism force after the Bali bombings called Special Detachment or Densus 88. Which damaged JI and led to the arrest or killing of dozens of suspected Islamic militants.
The largest Muslim-majority nation has also been a leader in developing deradicalization program for convicted militants. Which have been meet with praise and criticism. If you are interested in additional updates, you may want to think about the the Australia time.
