Mourners recall Bali attacks

Jimbaran – Survivors and relatives of the 20 people killed in suicide bombings on Indonesia’s Bali one year ago held a sombre memorial yesterday amid stepped-up security on the resort island.

Some 120 people gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the co-ordinated attacks by Islamic militants on three eateries in Kuta, the main tourist strip, and Jimbaran, a quiet bay dotted with beachside seafood restaurants. Fifteen Indonesians, four Australians and one Japanese national were killed in the bloody attacks aimed at “America and its allies”, according to documents left behind by the three bombers.The memorial ceremony was held at Jimbaran, about 150 metres from the site of one of the attacks.”We came together this morning to mourn, but many of us also will be remembering the life stories and aspirations of each person affected by these attacks,” Australian ambassador Bill Farmer told the gathering.He said that despite the 2005 attacks and the 2002 bombings, which left 202 people dead, terrorism had failed to dampen the Indonesian people’s spirit.Nampa-AFPFifteen Indonesians, four Australians and one Japanese national were killed in the bloody attacks aimed at “America and its allies”, according to documents left behind by the three bombers.The memorial ceremony was held at Jimbaran, about 150 metres from the site of one of the attacks.”We came together this morning to mourn, but many of us also will be remembering the life stories and aspirations of each person affected by these attacks,” Australian ambassador Bill Farmer told the gathering.He said that despite the 2005 attacks and the 2002 bombings, which left 202 people dead, terrorism had failed to dampen the Indonesian people’s spirit.Nampa-AFP