Bali
 

After the tragic events that have occurred in Bali in the last 24 hours, I would just like to say that all our thoughts and love are with the people who have been injured or have lost loved ones.

A very sad day for all those involved. I would imagine that the Balinese will be in deep shock. They are one of the friendliest people I have ever come across. Although Indonesia is the most populous Muslim country in the world, Bali is about 85% Hindu. They probably never imagined anything like this happening on their island.

The UK Government is advising people not to travel to Bali and Qantas is sending a fleet of aircraft to evacuate Australians.

Nothing should be spared in finding and brining to justice the cowards that carried out this attack. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

Sounds like Australia's "WTC" (feelings, shock, loss).

Just a update:

Qantas has 5 Empty Aircraft heading to Bali as we speak, 1 747 and 4 767 to get as many Australian's out as possible.

The two C 130's have arrived in Denpasar and people are being loaded as I write.

Again our thoughs are with you

Just came home and read this news. Cannot get through on the phone to some friends playing in one of the clubs down there in that area. Crossing fingers and waitiing.

C'mon people, just "Give peace a chance".

This sucks http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif ,

Mike

A sorrow-filed time, indeed. Best wishes to all whose bodies, hearts, or loved ones were affected.

This is a particularly disturbing event because it seems to have specifically targeted tourists/tourism. No government offices (foreign or domestic), no monuments to capitalism were hit, not even the upscale spots of the island.

All would do well to wait a bit before coming to any conclusions on who is responsible, self-serving statements by various governments notwithstanding. At this point, no way yet to tell if it's a political statement or an internal business issue. If a political statement, no way yet to tell if it's internal to Indonesia or global in scale/nature.

The Balinese are truly some of the friendliest and peaceful people in the world. It is such a beautiful place, and what has happened is just shocking. I don't even want to turn on the news because the details keep getting worse and worse http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

This month's cover story in National Geographic Traveler is on Bali. I saved a copy and planned to give it to a friend who honeymooned there in May. I was thinking about going back this year. I wanted a place to relax and Bali fit the bill quite nicely. I pray that the island and its people can recover, and my thoughts are with all the victims.

Well said... as someone thats been to Bali on numerous times, this is terrible news. Lets hope this madness stops soon.

I was in that area a year ago. My heart goes out to the families who have lost a loved one.

Having just returned from Bali (Kuta,Sanur) on September 10th, this news is even more disturbing. The Balinese people are among the friendliest I have ever met in my travels. My thoughts to the people affected. I also hope the responsible criminals are brought to justice as quickly as possible.

I have never been to Bali, but I am always so saddenned by these types of deaths.

I hope none of our FT family were involved in this catastrophe.

William

Truly shocking, I'm deeply saddened by the events in Kuta.

This hit me just as hard as 9/11 did, even though it's farther away, people still are dead/dying/injured, and that pulls at my heartstrings.

Kai

Personally, I have a deep feeling of sadness. I can only hope for the best for injured, regardless of national origin, race or religion.

For those of in the US, we need to remember that AU only has a population of about 19MM.

Their loss in Bali is just as large as our loss at the WTC.

I too would like to offer my prayers and thoughts to those affected by this horrific tragedy.

Best wishes to those who's lives have been impacted by these tragic events.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all who have been so devastated by this tragedy, and for those who will continue to be devastated for (I fear) a long time.

My wife and I went to Bali 2 1/2 years ago for our honeymoon, and were seriously considering another visit in the short term. As much as I would like to revisit Bali, I believe that we, too, will be some of the many who abandon this idyll for some time to come.

Greg

Very sad events indeed. May the dead rest in peace and the injured recover soon.

OTOH, has anyone noticed the dates of these events? First, there was 9/11, then came Bali on 10/12. What's next? 11/13 and 12/14??

Curious about the location of the bombings. Is it near the "Macaroni Club"?

Condolences to all the victims and their loved ones.

I just found out that the following was issued on 10 October 2002...my bolding below. I really don't stay on top of these warnings at all.

http://travel.state.gov/wwc1.html

Worldwide Caution
October 10, 2002
This Worldwide Caution Public Announcement supersedes the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement dated September 9, 2002. In light of the recent audio tape attributed to Usama bin Laden and other reports of threats to American interests, this Worldwide Caution is being issued to alert Americans to the need to remain vigilant and to remind them of the continuing threat of terrorist actions that may target civilians. This Worldwide Caution expires on April 8, 2003.

The U.S. Government continues to receive credible indications that extremist groups and individuals are planning additional terrorist actions against U.S. interests. Such actions may include, but are not limited to, suicide operations. Because security and security awareness have been elevated within the U.S, the terrorists may target U.S. interests overseas. We remind American citizens to remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and to exercise caution.

Terrorist groups do not distinguish between official and civilian targets. Attacks on places of worship and schools, and the murders of private American citizens, demonstrate that as security is increased at official U.S. facilities, terrorists and their sympathizers will seek softer targets. These may include facilities where Americans are generally known to congregate or visit, such as clubs, restaurants, places of worship, schools or outdoor recreation events. Americans should increase their security awareness when they are at such locations, avoid them, or switch to other locations where Americans in large numbers generally do not congregate. American citizens may be targeted for kidnapping or assassination.

U.S. Government facilities worldwide remain at a heightened state of alert. These facilities may temporarily close or suspend public services from time to time to review their security posture and ensure its adequacy. In those instances, U.S. Embassies and Consulates will make every effort to provide emergency services to American citizens. Americans are urged to monitor the local news and maintain contact with the nearest American Embassy or Consulate.

As the Department continues to develop information on any potential security threats to Americans overseas, it shares credible threat information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. In addition to information on the Internet, U.S. travelers can hear recorded information by calling the Department of State in Washington, D.C. at 202-647-5225 from their touch-tone telephone, or receive information by automated telefax by dialing 202-647-3000 from their fax machine.