14th October 2022 – On 12th October 2002, three bombs went off in Bali. As reported by Kompas on 13th October 2002, three consecutive explosions shake Bali around 11:15 WITA.
The first and second explosions happened in Jalan Legian, Kuta, Badung Regency. While the third explosion happened 100 metres away from the United States Consulate Office in the Renon area, Denpasar Bali.
A total of 202 people lost their lives due to this bombing with the majority of the victims being Australian citizens. In addition to the casualties, the bomb left a hole 4 to 4,5 meters wide and 80 centimetres deep.
A memorial was built in a corner on Jalan Legian, Kuta to remember the Bali Bombing tragedy. This memorial is called Ground Zero or the Bali Bombing Memorial I.
The most prominent form of the monument is the Kayonan, which quoted from the Badung Tourism Office is shaped like a mountain with a resemblance to a large white wooden leaf that symbolizes the universe and its contents.
At the bottom of the monument is an inscription that lists the names of all the victims and their nationalities who died in the first Bali Bombing tragedy.
The strategic location of this monument makes it visited often by both foreign and domestic tourists. It’s located in an open space, Ground Zero can be visited by anyone and any time. However, every 12th October, a memorial service is held at the monument.
Bali Bombing Tragedy Memorial in Australia
The act of terror in the Bali Bombing tragedy killed 202 people 88 of them Australians. To remember this deadly tragedy, Bali Bombing memorials are held in some of the major cities in Australia including Sydney, Perth, and Canberra.
The Prime Minister (PM) of Australia, Anthony Albanese paid tribute to the Bali Bombing in Australia. He said that the terrorists’ goals had not been achieved. While on the other hand, a lot of people show compassion by helping those in need, and the spirit of heroism.
