Foreign Tourists Offer Prayers At Bali Bomb Monument

Mangupura, Bali (Antara Bali) - Scores of foreign tourists offered prayers and flowers at the Bali Bomb Monument, known as "Ground Zero," here on Monday in memory of the victims of the October 12, 2002, explosion.

Antara reporter, who was at the site, reported on Monday that the tourists brought flowers to lay at the monument and to offer prayers to the victims of the senseless attack that had a profound and lasting impact on the survivors, families, and friends of the victims.

"I have come here to offer my prayers as today, we commemorate with great sadness the tragic event that took place in Bali on October 12, 2002, killing 202 people, including 88 Australians," said Steve Douglas, a tourist from Australia.

The attack was the worst terrorist incident in the history of Indonesia, with 202 civilians dead and more than 100 wounded, for which Jemaah Islamiya, an al-Qaeda-linked terrorist organization, was held responsible.

The attack in Bali`s crowded Kuta tourist district began with a suicide bombing inside a tourist bar that funneled panicking victims into the street, exposing the crowd to the full blast of a car bomb parked next to the neighboring Sari Club.

Douglas noted that besides offering prayers, his visit to the Ground Zero site was to pay his respects to the victims of the Bali bombing tragedy.

The 2002 bombings and the subsequent terrorist attacks have also brought Australia and Indonesia closer and strengthened their resolve to eradicate the threat of violent extremism in the region and globally.

Douglas affirmed on Monday that he had the opportunity to remember those who suffered and died, and his thoughts were with all who continue to grieve over the loss of their loved ones. (WDY)