Australia marked the 20th anniversary of the 2005 Bali bombings, a tragic Islamist terrorist attack that claimed 20 lives, including four Australians, 15 Indonesians and one Japanese national, and injured 17 Australians along with many other innocent bystanders on Jimbaran Beach and Kuta in Bali.
Senator Penny Wong said in a statement the day is “difficult for many in Australia, Indonesia and around the world” and called for remembrance of the victims, the courage of survivors, and the bravery of first responders and volunteers.
Two official memorial services were held to honour those affected. In Newcastle, the Special Envoy for Indian Ocean Affairs, Tim Watts MP, joined survivors, families and first responders. Meanwhile, Australia’s Consul-General Jo Stevens hosted a service at the Australian Consulate-General in Bali.
In a lasting tribute, the Australian Government will fund a new, permanent memorial to commemorate the 2005 Bali bombings, with plans to be developed in consultation with survivors and the families of victims.
“The bonds between the governments and people of Australia and Indonesia are stronger than ever,” Senator Wong said, emphasising ongoing cooperation to counter violent extremism and maintain peace and security in the region.
The 2005 attack followed a string of terror incidents in Bali, including the 2002 bombings that killed 202 people, including 88 Australians.
The 2005 bombings were carried out by Jemaah Islamiyah, a Southeast Asian Islamist jihadist group linked to al-Qaeda.
For the Bali bombings, Australia’s response involved a complex rescue and medical evacuation operation led by the Defence Force, alongside support from the Australian Federal Police, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, and other agencies.
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