[Kabar-indonesia] 3 JP Bali Attack Reports: Activists Lay Down Cleansing White Cloth

[Joyo at aol.com]

also: 2 JP reports: Activists lay down white cloth to cleanse Bali;
and Island marks October attacks four years on 

The Jakarta Post
Friday, October 13, 2006

Bali sends world a message of peace 

Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

More than two thousands people of diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds 
paid their respects to the 202 victims of the 2002 Bali bombings by observing 
30-minutes of silence in Denpasar on Thursday night. 

The climax of series of commemorations the event, "Love and Peace from Bali 
to the World" was held at the Bajra Sandhi Museum and Public Square and brought 
together families of the bombing victims, religious and community leaders, 
artists, students, officials and academics. 

Hindus, Muslims, Buddhists, Catholics and Protestants also took part in a 
large interfaith prayer illuminated by thousands of candles. 

"May the souls of the victims rest in peace. And may peace always be with 
us," Hindu High Priest Ratu Ida Pedanda Manuaba said in prayer. 

In the background, a choir group chanted holy words, creating a somber 
atmosphere. 

Addressing the event, Bali Governor Dewa Beratha praised religious leaders on 
the island for fostering peace, tolerance and brotherhood. 

After the Oct. 12 bombing, people in Bali were afraid that ethnic or 
religious conflict would erupt between locals and migrants but the fears were 
groundless, he said. 

"The terrorists failed to tear Bali apart and create ethnic conflicts like 
those that have occurred in other parts of Indonesia, including in Ambon 
(Maluku) and Poso in Sulawesi," Beratha said. 

The Balinese are known for their tolerance of other ethnic groups and 
religions, he said. 

This came from the Nyama Braya tradition, ideas that put an emphasis on 
strengthening friendship and rejecting acts of revenge. 

The event was preceded by a march of hundreds of young students who laid down 
1,400 meters of white cloth in the Pada Yatra Ngider Bhuwana ritual. The name 
of the Hindu rite, which literally means "encircling the earth", is meant to 
purify Bali's soil from devilish influences. The white cloth is later thrown 
into the sea in a symbolic casting out of evil. 

"We hope the ceremony will again bring peace and purity to Bali and other 
parts of the world," A.A. Suryawan, chairman of the organizing committee, said. 

Also showcased at the event was a performance of the sacred Rejang dance by 
pre-pubescent girls, another symbol of purity. 

Earlier in the afternoon, people attended several activities at "Ground 
Zero", on Legian Street, the site of the worst attack. 

The colorful commemoration saw a group of youngsters clad in glittering 
Balinese costumes and carrying colorful flowers -- roses, jasmine and gardenia. 
Hundreds of other people carried a large banner saying "Stop Violence and Terror. 
Bali is a Peaceful Place". 

Meanwhile, the National Integration Movement led by spiritual leader Anand 
Khrisna charmed spectators with its melodious chants, transforming Kuta street 
into a "field of love". 

Local poets Eka Budianta and Cok Sawitri also performed In The Face of a 
Fallen Leaf, a message of peace and friendship. 

Robert H. Smith, a Dutch citizen, said Oct. 12 was a special time to remember 
the loss of a dearly loved one. "We lost our best friend here ... This is our 
fourth attendance." 

The Smith family always brought letters and flowers from people in the 
Netherlands who wanted to remember the victims of the attacks and the people of 
Bali. 

"Every time we come here, we can barely breathe. It is just too sad. But we 
have to keep on moving for the sake of humanity and never surrender to any 
terrorist threats." 

The one-hour ceremony was closed by the Balinese Oleg Tambullilingan 
performance. 

-- Additional reporting by contributor Wasti Atmodjo from Kuta, Bali. 

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The Jakarta Post
Friday, October 13, 2006

Activists lay down white cloth to cleanse Bali 

I Wayan Juniartha, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar

In an memorable predawn ceremony, local activists unfurled some 14,000 meters 
of white cloth from Jimbaran to Kuta to highlight the Balinese people's 
commitment to peace amid the growing threat of international terrorism.

"We want to reiterate the message of peace, of harmonious interfaith and 
interethnic relationships. The kinds of things this island is famous for," 
activist Ida Bagus Anom said. 

The event organized by the Kuta Community Empowerment Council and the Bali 
Journalists Community was held to commemorate the brutal bombings on Oct. 12, 
2002. The terrorist attacks, which targeted two of Kuta's most popular 
nightspots, killed 202 people, mostly western tourists. 

"In the months following the bombings, the Balinese and their friends showed 
exemplary emotional restraint and an equally commendable non-violent response 
to the brutal violence. We want to remind the world and ourselves of the 
nobility of such restraint and response," Anom said. 

The event started a few minutes after midnight at the Menega Cafe, Jimbaran, 
one of the seaside establishments attacked by suicide bombers in October 2005. 

>From Menega, the activists unfolded the cloth along Jimbaran's main street, 
down the Ngurah Rai bypass into Kuta. By 4:19 a.m., the cloth had reached its 
final destination; the Bali bombing monument in downtown Kuta. 

"By then the cloth has connected four sites that have been violated by the 
two separate attacks; Menega, R.Adja, Paddy's and Sari Club," a peace activist, 
Frans Sarong, said. 

"The cloth symbolizes peace, purity and a sincere tribute to the victims," he 
said. 

The event drew a large number of spectators, particularly western tourists, 
at various nightspots along Kuta's main roads. Many were obviously moved. 

"I think it is a fitting tribute, a beautiful way to remember those who had 
fallen in the tragedy," a young Australian said. 

Kuta council chairman Alit Ardana hoped Indonesians and foreigners would be 
reminded and inspired when they passed along the cloth-covered roads the next 
morning. 

"Hopefully, it will strengthen their faith in the principles of non-violence 
and the futility of violence and terror." 

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The Jakarta Post
Friday, October 13, 2006

Island marks October attacks four years on 

Trisha Sertori, Contributor, Jimbaran

Tight security surrounded Thursday morning's service for victims, survivors, 
family and friends of the Oct. 12, 2002, Bali bombings that killed 202 people 
from around the world. 

The service came just 11 days after the first anniversary of the Jimbaran and 
Kuta bombings of Oct. 1 last year, making October Bali's blackest month. 

Held amid flowers and sunshine at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural center in 
Jimbaran, the service was in stark contrast to the smoky horror of the night 
four years ago. A night that stole from families in 22 countries and all but 
destroyed Bali's tourist-dependent economy. 

More than 50 Australians and Indonesians came together at the center to share 
their sorrow and memories. 

Bombing survivor, Maureen from Victoria, Melbourne, said she was still 
affected by the events of Oct. 12 but is slowly recovering. Spike who lost his son 
in the blast, returns annually to pay his respects and walk again on the ground 
he and his son shared in life. 

"I didn't come last year and it was terrible not to be here. I will return on 
this day, every year for the rest of my life. My son died here and I must be 
with him here in Bali," Spike said. 

The continuing anguish suffered by Indonesian families was made starkly real 
in the poem written and read by 8-year-old Alief who lost his father, Imawan 
Sardjono, in Kuta. 

"Four years ago, when I was four years old and my brother was three, I was 
just a little boy. But my Daddy went away. Now, no matter where I look for him, 
I only find a grave," read Alief to the massed crowd of mourners. 

Australian Prime Minister John Howard forwarded his words of condolence 
during the service, saying the annual commemoration of the tragic Bali bombings was 
an important mark of respect for the victims and families of the blast, and 
an opportunity to remember those who "gave of themselves in the aftermath of 
the tragedy". 

"Today we remember with great sadness the 88 Australians and many Indonesians 
who were killed, and those injured in the 2002 bombings in Bali. On behalf of 
the Australian government and people I again offer them my deepest sympathies 
and heartfelt condolences. Our thoughts and prayers are also with the people 
of Indonesia and the many other nations affected by the attack," Howard said. 

Representing the Australian government at the service was Ambassador to 
Indonesia Bill Farmer who paid tribute to the lives lost. 

"We gather here, four years on, to remember the victims of the bombings on 
Oct. 12, 2002, innocent people from Indonesia and from the near and far corners 
of the earth. We gather to extend condolences to the families and loved ones 
of those who died and to express our sorrowful recognition of the devastating 
effect on the lives of so many others," Farmer said. 

The power of the human spirit and people's ability to rise above suffering 
was highlighted by a nurse, Kim Patra, who assisted the injured in the aftermath 
of the bombs. 

"There is something transcendent within us that can not be destroyed. There 
is something that gives us courage, strength and endurance beyond usual 
physical capability. There is something that in the face of tragedy, throws us 
together and forms bonds of true and lasting friendship. I believe that is the human 
spirit," Patra said. 

She remembered the bravery of victims and volunteers on that black night. One 
badly injured man sensing medication was in short supply refused an offer of 
pain relief, and told her, "I'm alright mate, give it to someone that needs it 
more than me", moments before dying of his wounds. 

Patra also spoke of the cooperation between peoples of different faiths to 
create the memorial cross housed in the grounds of the Australian Consulate. 

The cross, Patra said, was conceived by expatriates Peter Richter and David 
Mansell who worked with a Christian architect, Emytha Taihutu, to design it. 
Built by Balinese Hindus under the direction of Ketut Arjana, the cross was 
erected by Javanese Muslims -- all within days of the blast. 

"This was an example of Christians, Hindus and Muslims working together on a 
very small project that was to become a symbol of great significance to so 
many people. This is a superb example of the human spirit." 

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Joyo Indonesia News Service
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