Island marks October attacks four years on

The Jakarta Post ,  Jakarta   |  Fri, 10/13/2006 10:12 AM

Trisha Sertori, Contributor, Jimbaran

Tight security surrounded Thursday morning's service for victims, survivors, family and friends of the Oct. 12, 2002, Bali bombings that killed 202 people from around the world.

The service came just 11 days after the first anniversary of the Jimbaran and Kuta bombings of Oct. 1 last year, making October Bali's blackest month.

Held amid flowers and sunshine at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural center in Jimbaran, the service was in stark contrast to the smoky horror of the night four years ago. A night that stole from families in 22 countries and all but destroyed Bali's tourist-dependent economy.

More than 50 Australians and Indonesians came together at the center to share their sorrow and memories.

Bombing survivor, Maureen from Victoria, Melbourne, said she was still affected by the events of Oct. 12 but is slowly recovering. Spike who lost his son in the blast, returns annually to pay his respects and walk again on the ground he and his son shared in life.

""I didn't come last year and it was terrible not to be here. I will return on this day, every year for the rest of my life. My son died here and I must be with him here in Bali,"" Spike said.

The continuing anguish suffered by Indonesian families was made starkly real in the poem written and read by 8-year-old Alief who lost his father, Imawan Sardjono, in Kuta.

""Four years ago, when I was four years old and my brother was three, I was just a little boy. But my Daddy went away. Now, no matter where I look for him, I only find a grave,"" read Alief to the massed crowd of mourners.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard forwarded his words of condolence during the service, saying the annual commemoration of the tragic Bali bombings was an important mark of respect for the victims and families of the blast, and an opportunity to remember those who ""gave of themselves in the aftermath of the tragedy"".

""Today we remember with great sadness the 88 Australians and many Indonesians who were killed, and those injured in the 2002 bombings in Bali. On behalf of the Australian government and people I again offer them my deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the people of Indonesia and the many other nations affected by the attack,"" Howard said.

Representing the Australian government at the service was Ambassador to Indonesia Bill Farmer who paid tribute to the lives lost.

""We gather here, four years on, to remember the victims of the bombings on Oct. 12, 2002, innocent people from Indonesia and from the near and far corners of the earth. We gather to extend condolences to the families and loved ones of those who died and to express our sorrowful recognition of the devastating effect on the lives of so many others,"" Farmer said.

The power of the human spirit and people's ability to rise above suffering was highlighted by a nurse, Kim Patra, who assisted the injured in the aftermath of the bombs.

""There is something transcendent within us that can not be destroyed. There is something that gives us courage, strength and endurance beyond usual physical capability. There is something that in the face of tragedy, throws us together and forms bonds of true and lasting friendship. I believe that is the human spirit,"" Patra said.

She remembered the bravery of victims and volunteers on that black night. One badly injured man sensing medication was in short supply refused an offer of pain relief, and told her, ""I'm alright mate, give it to someone that needs it more than me"", moments before dying of his wounds.

Patra also spoke of the cooperation between peoples of different faiths to create the memorial cross housed in the grounds of the Australian Consulate.

The cross, Patra said, was conceived by expatriates Peter Richter and David Mansell who worked with a Christian architect, Emytha Taihutu, to design it. Built by Balinese Hindus under the direction of Ketut Arjana, the cross was erected by Javanese Muslims -- all within days of the blast.

""This was an example of Christians, Hindus and Muslims working together on a very small project that was to become a symbol of great significance to so many people. This is a superb example of the human spirit.

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