‘Grief does not fade’: Australia marks 22 years since Bali tragedy

‘Amid that terrible darkness, the terrorists could not break the spirit of humanity’, the PM said as he commemorated the Bali bombings.

Peter Dutton and Anthony Albanese have honoured the heroes and victims of the 2002 Bali bombings in the first year since the disbandment of its terrorist perpetrators. Picture: Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

On the 22nd anniversary of the Bali bombings, Australia’s leaders have commemorated those lost in the first commemoration since the disbandment of Indonesian Islamist militant group Jemaah Islamiah.

Under funding from al-Qaeda, the extremist group was linked to the 2002 terror attack, which killed 202 people including 88 Australians.

Five alleged perpetrators were charged, three of whom were executed by firing squad. Two suicide bombers died carrying out the attack.

On June 30, Jemaah Islamiah voluntarily disbanded after decades of promoting destabilisation. The decision to demilitarise and largely disband the group was made by sixteen senior figures.

“Twenty-two years since the Bali bombings, we pause once more as a nation to reflect and remember,” Anthony Albanese said.

“In that place where Indonesians have for so long welcomed Australians and others from around the world, the terrorists struck at the joy of a free people. They struck at the friendship between us, without mercy, without pity.

“Over the years grief does not fade. So many hearts are still tethered to that cruel night, every beat tempered by an abiding sorrow.”

The anniversary comes after an extended dialogue between the Prime Minister and Australia’s Asia Pacific neighbours as a part of the Laos ASEAN Summit.

“Amid that terrible darkness, the terrorists could not break the spirit of humanity,” Mr Albanese said.

“Horror was met with heroism and compassion among friends and strangers alike. We refused to let terrorists drive us apart.”

At 11pm on October 12, 2002 a suicide bomber walked into Paddy’s Pub in Kuta, detonating an explosive in a backpack. Driving injured and afraid patrons out onto the street, a second larger car bomb was then set off. 209 people were injured in addition to the more than 200 dead.

A third bomb was detonated beside Denpasar’s United States consulate.

The Bali bombings took place 22 years ago, killing 202 people including 88 Australians. Picture: Agung Parameswara/Getty Images

“At the time, Prime Minister John Howard noted how the tragedy ‘brought forth heroism, decency and goodness’,” Peter Dutton said.

“Today, we acknowledge all those who embodied these virtues: the strangers who helped each other; the Indonesian people who cared for the wounded; the doctors and nurses who saved lives both in Indonesia and in Australia; and the members of our intelligence community, law enforcement agencies, foreign service and military – and their Indonesian counterparts – whose work supported the innocent victims and brought the villainous perpetrators to justice.

“Most importantly, our thoughts today are with those Australian families who lost loved ones; and with all the survivors whose strength and deeds over 22 years has been a triumph in the face of terrorism.”

It remains the largest loss of Australian lives to a terror attack, primarily affecting tourists during a busy holiday season. Due to poor local health resourcing, many of the injured were flown to Australia and treated for severe burns in Perth and Darwin.

In 2003, almost 200 Australians locally and abroad received honours for their bravery in the aftermath. This number would grow as more samaritans were identified.

“In the middle of such tragedy came forth incredible stories of heroism and support from strangers helping each other in the immediate aftermath,” opposition foreign affairs spokesperson Simon Birmingham said.

“Let us remember the victims and our thoughts be with their families and the survivors whose strength has been a triumph in the face of terrorism. They will never forget and neither should we.”