Cops told Bali horror video a step too far

Indonesian authorities were warned in advance that a graphic video shown at an event in Bali to mark the 2002 terror ­attacks was inappropriate and would cause distress.

An Australian flag is seen during a commemoration ceremony of the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings in Kuta on Wednesday. Picture: Getty Images

Indonesian authorities were warned in advance that a graphic video shown at an event in Bali to mark the 20th anniversary of the 2002 terror ­attacks was inappropriate and would cause distress to survivors and families of the 202 people who died.

Several hundred Australians and Balinese attended the ­Tuesday night commemoration event organised by Indonesia’s elite counter-terrorism police unit Densus 88 at the Bali ­memorial in Kuta.

They were expecting a candlelight vigil at 11.05pm, the time the first bomb went off.

Instead the ceremony began with a big-screen video showing footage of the Sari Club on fire and people screaming inside, as well as images of the terrorists ­responsible, including Imam Samudra, who was executed in 2008, and bomb maker Umar Patek who became eligible for parole last August.

Kuta councillor Putu Adyana told The Australian Balinese ­locals had urged Densus officials during a meeting last Saturday not to show the video.

“Densus played the video even though we had warned them. When they play that documentary it reminds our residents of the tragedy that affected us,” Mr ­Adyana said.

“It also showed footage from the trials where the terrorists were given death sentences and were smiling.

“We were concerned it would create hatred again within our community. We were ­directly affected and are trying to forget. We should use this ­moment to (promote) peace so that it will never be repeated.”

A spokesman for Densus 88 – the celebrated policing unit formed in the wake of the attack with Australia’s help, and which has done so much to crush terrorism in the region – told The Australian the video was “not intended to … trigger trauma for victims and families” and he was “deeply sorry” that it had done so.

“If this is how it was received we offer our sincerest apology. We deeply apologise,” senior commissioner Aswin Siregar said.

He conceded locals had warned against showing the video, but said it was intended to “raise awareness in the community on the huge impact of terrorism, especially among the younger generations so they can avoid and protect themselves against the spread of radicalism and extremism”.

Densus is a champion of Indonesia’s deradicalisation strategy, which uses education to encourage convicted terrorists to disavow violence and to help prevent marginalised Muslims being lured into extremism.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said it had not been involved in organising the event and would formally register its concerns with Indonesia over the video which caused distress to many.

“The Australian government’s focus on the anniversary was honouring the lives of the victims and the courage and resilience shown by survivors and their families at our daytime services in Bali, in Canberra, and at events across the country,” a DFAT spokesman said.

“We are deeply disappointed by the decisions made by organisers. We understand the distress it has caused and stand ready to offer assistance to any Australians who may need it.”

Jan Laczynski, who lost five friends in the blasts and was at the late-night ceremony after attending a moving memorial service at the Australian consulate that morning, said it was “like watching a horror show”.

“Everything had been beautiful up until 11pm. The 202 people who died deserve dignity and ­reflection. I don’t understand what (organisers) were trying to achieve,” he said.

“To wheel all those terrorists out at 11pm when we were there for quiet reflection – it was like a bad dream.”