Bali marks six-month anniversary of bomb

The people of Bali were today marking the six-month anniversary of the terrorist atrocity which killed nearly 200, including 26 British people, with a wreath-laying ceremony at the bomb site.

Balinese dignitaries, foreign consuls and diplomats were attending the ceremony in Legian Street, in the popular tourist hub of Kuta, where the Sari nightclub once stood.

It was on October 12 – The Day Of Tears – that a double car bomb exploded outside the nightspot, killing tourists who had travelled to the paradise island on holiday.

The British deputy head of mission, Paul Speller, flew into Denpasar airport from Indonesia’s capital Jakarta to attend the service, organised by the Australian Consul General, Ross Tysoe.

Mark Wilson, the Honorary British Consul in Bali, was also among the many dignitaries.

Mr Wilson said the island’s shattered tourism industry would only recover if the travel advisories put in place by governments across the world, including Britain, were lifted.

“The economy has been devastated by the bomb attack,” he said. “Many of the hotels have had to lay their staff off or offer limited hours, and so a huge number of people have had their incomes reduced or lost completely.

“And that’s affecting every family on the island.

“Although there are signs of a recovery, it’s very slow and the situation will only change with the lifting of the various travel advisories that are currently in place around the world. In my opinion there is a long way to go.”

A number of other private ceremonies were also being held at temples across the island to remember those who died.