This post is coming live and direct from Jl. Pantai Kuta Bali. This cafe is about 200 meters from the site of the Saturday night bombing at Raja’s Cafe. There were 3 bombs that hit Bali tonight, 2 in Jimbaran and 1 in Kuta at Raja's restaurant in Kuta Square.
I met a friend, Andy Walker, today at the airport and said 'Welcome to Bali'. After some Indonesian food and chatting with Ika, we went to JP's Warung on Jl. Dhyana Pura in Seminyak for some microbrew beers. After about 30 minutes a young Italian guy ran in and started shouting about a bomb in Jimbaran. He said it sounded like a wave crashing. Andy and I continued chatting and I started getting sms’s from people, realizing there was a problem.
Walking back to my house I had a eerie 'something is going on' feeling and the Balinese guys in my alley told me there were 6 bombs, scattered from Nusa Dua, the Four Seasons Jimbaran, to Kuta. Arriving at home I woke a peaceful Ika sleeping with Jevon and told her the news. A smart person would stay in the house, but I decidecd to explore, and rode my bike down to Kuta.
At the bottom of the loop on Jl. Legian the cops had the street blocked off. It seemed as though everyone in Bali wanted to see the bombing and the street was full of people. Iwalked to the beach via Jl. Benesari and then down to Kuta Square. I had heard Hard Rock Hotel was hit, a logical choice for me, but actually it wasn't. Still people were out partying, drinking and having a good time, although the locals were sitting at the side of the road checking theri cell phones.
At Kuta Square I peered over the police tape to see an ambulance and some glass. The Raja's sign was still intact, giving me the impression the blast had been small. Its amazing how global media is right now. While i was walking down Pantai Kuta my brother Chris called me from England to tell me exactly where the bombs went off. I headed straight there.
Well its 11.16pm now and I am going to look for a bar with Premiership football. Please tell Andy Walker's wife he's okay.
{ 66 comments }
Hi Nick Glad to hear that you are okey. I am glad that we went to Bali when we did last month. I will not be scared too go back. Terrorists can strike anywhere at anytime so it is not worth changing travel plans for that reason. Hopefully the bombing is over now and Bali can try to get back to some normalcy now. I wish everyone in Bali health and happieness Marc
Keep us posted, Nick.
(And, if you are not too busy reporting from the scene, could you make me a sandwich?)
Glad to hear that you are okay, Nick.
I have also learned that my wife’s niece, who is currently vacationing in Bali, is also okay.
If I were you, I would resist checking-out those places immediately after the blasts for fear of falling into a trap as there may be some more bombs yet to explode.
God bless you, matey. God bless the people of Bali. Pray for the innocent victims.
Nick, Got to hear your ok..
More innocent people and families have their lives ruined by idiots.
Mick
**May….
**I’ve had the same 2nd thoughts. I’m supposed
**to arrive on Monday the 3rd. At first, I
**thought ‘I’m going anyway’. But as the death
**toll rises, I’m having 2nd thoughts. What are
**you thinking?
**
**LilyPond
**
**Posted by: LilyPond on October 2, 2005 01:00 AM
Lily,
I guess as long as u r not going to hang around or stay in Kuta then maybe u won’t get much affected. I’m supposed to stay in Seminyak, but again.. most probably my trip will be cancelled, and my companion also had decided to call off the trip, money is of least importance when it concerns life. Guys, please could u give us your precious opinions?
Nick, I’m so glad you and your family are safe, and terribly sad about the loss of life in the blasts. Let’s hope there are no more of such attacks and Bali remains the peaceful place it always was.
I am trying to find out information about my nephew. He is in Kuta and we cannot reach him. His name is Denny Gillispie. Has anyone heard anything about who the Americans who have been injured.
Nick
glad to hear you and family are ok. we were on the phone with our family in java when they told us about the bombs went off in bali. i agree with Marc that as long as there is terorism, it can strike anywhere not just Bali and London.
our thoughts are with those who lost their love ones.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4300274.stm : Local media said the police had found a number of other unexploded devices.
No matter wat happens, I believe evil things will come to an end. I pray that Bali will remain peaceful after this event and the world will continue to fight towards terrorism
May,
Does the BBC article say where the unexploded devices were found? Sorry, I’m in Shanghai and the government has blocked BBC news for some reason…….. I haven’t seen that piece of news on other sites yet.
Lily
“Let’s hope there are no more of such attacks and Bali remains the peaceful place it always was.”
I am afraid to say that it is a wishful thinking.
As long as the indonesian goverment is not serious in rooting out islamic extreemism, there will be more bombs.
Islamic terrorists like FPI is still operating freely above the law in Java. The bombers of the Austrlian embassy were senteced to death, but the people who helped and provided logitical supports were only given a few years jail time. No wonder, Bashir who was the spiritual leader of JI was only given a slap on the wrist. I guess in indonesia you can legally encourage your followers to kill and maim innocent people. As long as you don’t commit the crime yourself there is nothing the police can do about it.
Wake up you guys: there will be more bombs.
It is a very sad day for Bali. To think the tourism industry had just about recovered from the last time.
I am trying to get in contact with any Brits out there for an article I am writing so I can get a true idea of what’s going on.
Please pass my email address onto anyone who can help. mpkottegoda@hotmail.co.uk
It is a very sad day for Bali. To think the tourism industry had just about recovered from the last time.
I am trying to get in contact with any Brits out there for an article I am writing so I can get a true idea of what’s going on.
Please pass my email address onto anyone who can help. mpkottegoda@hotmail.co.uk
Thanks, Nick, for the message from Andy. Sean also called. You will all be in my thoughts today.
Wendy
I guess tuyul is right.
Lily, the news didnt specify exact location, it says: “Local media said the police had found a number of other unexploded devices.”
I’m really sad to hear that china has blocked the bbc site, wat about abcnews.com, guardian.co.uk, cnn.com?? I hope Nick won’t be upset if i paste the news here:
“The exact number of blasts, which happened almost simultaneously, was not clear. Some witnesses said they heard at least two explosions at each location. A British tourist who was in a building next door to a restaurant that was hit in Kuta said there was a “thunderous boom” that caused all the shop’s windows to blow out. “It was just chaos,” Daniel Martin told the BBC. He said there were people lying in the streets with serious injuries, with everyone pitching in to help. Journalist Maris Bakkalupulo went to the scene of the Kuta blast, and saw a noodle shop that had been badly damaged. “It’s completely gutted,” she told the BBC. “Everything has been blasted out of the building, which is very mangled.” Another tourist in Bali, Anthony Brearley from Australia, said he heard two explosions in Kuta. “I think the locals still think it’s a gas explosion. I think they genuinely think it couldn’t happen again,” he told the BBC News..”
Thanks May! Yeah, it’s a shame that BBC is blocked here. Off the subject (sorry, Nick), but that seems to be the only major site that’s blocked. No idea why…..
True, the bombings probably will not end anytime soon. Someone had a good point earlier, they can happen anywhere - NY, London, etc… Though, bombings might be more prevalent in Bali than some other places. Guess I don’t have the answer!
Lily
cheers lily, was about 2 go 2 bed, n as I was saying my prayers, I included you in, n if u have 2 go 2 bali, i pray that u’ll b fine n hv a good time. And If u decided not to go, dont regret for the decision n pls remember it’s a blessings that u r not there during the event (though i hv a sense of guilt)
latest from bbc: “Bomb attacks in two busy tourist areas on the Indonesian resort island of Bali have killed at least 25 people.
Nearly 90 others were injured in at least three blasts which took place just before 2000 local time (1200 GMT). Devices went off at three restaurants - two in an area by the sea at Jimbaran, the other at Kuta beach..”
Did this really happen again? Relieved Nick, Andy, Ika, Jevon and others are safe and well. And I
think and pray for those who lost loved ones.
Yes, Tony, terrorists can strike anywhere, at any time. Life goes on, must go on and plans need not be changed.
Nick
I am a journalist eager to speak to Brits in Bali and include their eyewitness accounts in an article.
Can you put me in touch tonight?
Nick, I’m a frantic mother who hasn’t heard from her son. He was staying in Kuta at some hotel on Poppies 2. I’ve tried calling hotels and hospitals, but have had no luck. My son’s name is Alec Tessarowicz, he is American. Do you have any advice on how I can try to locate him?? Thank you, Chris Tessarowicz
Open letter to the Balinese government:
Here we have more bombing by fanatics.
More reason to avoid Indonesia/Bali.
More reason to broadcast to the world not to invest here or visit.
Just as Bush misplaced US resources and our National Guard in Iraq, leaving us blindsided in New Orleans, the “Justice System” of Indonesia appears more focused on another young Australian woman, this time with 2 ecstasy pills.
The Indonesian authorities failure to protect its citizens or paying visitors from murderers is shocking. ALL resources should be focused on identifying, infiltrating and prosecuting the perps of this violent madness that seems to permeate an otherwise peaceful land. Instead they are hunting up young people with X in their purse.
How can they [Balinese authorities] spend a dime of effort caring if a young model did or did not want to have an X trip on the beach? Let her. Stop worrying about drugs that induce euphoric states of bliss with minor side effects. Instead, look for those bent on murder against innocent citizens. Free those in your jails for minor drug crimes immediately! Use that budget for tracking down the killers or would be killers and fill the jails with these extremists. And, of course, send Corby HOME! You have better things to do with your limited and clearly inadequate police resources.
WHAT ARE THE PRIORITIES IN BALI?
DRUG CRIMES OR TERRORISTS – PICK ONE.
DECLARE YOUR INTENT.
AND, SUCCEED IN THE MISSION.
Forget about the pot, x, acid or whatever for a while, and stop the people that are really destroying your country. Unless, for some reason, you prefer the terrorists?
Declare this publicly as the new resolve of the Indonesian people.
Maybe, by freeing up and redirecting your resources, the obviously inadequate capability of your law enforcement may be able stop the real enemy.
Meanwhile, we will not visit and will advise everyone we can here in America and in Australia to not set foot in your country.
Lastly, whether the drugs were planted or not, it is clear that corruption is systemic in your law enforcement. Your cops are out of control, they do perjury themselves, plant drugs and jail innocent people. This [corruption] is among the most offensive and intolerable aspects of any civilization that exists, no matter where, no matter how, and no matter what the excuse. We sadly conclude that were we to vacation or invest in Bali, our risk factors would include, 1) being blown up by terrorists, and/or, 2) having drugs planted on us by “Police” and ending up in a gulag beyond comprehension. In this case, jailing the police so involved is the only remedy. But in conclusion, the risk factors exceed the potential reward.
With no justice or assurance of safety, or protection from [criminal] police, how can anyone choose to visit this place?
We look forward to some day visiting Bali, after this is resolved. However, meanwhile, for our safety, we will look to the thousands of other locations worldwide that compete by offering a higher level of civilization .
Regards
Bennett
Its bad , really bad . Body parts , flesh in the streets and my beer was spilled all over my new Quiksilver t-shirt.
Please people, Islam is a religion of peace !
Bennett,
The local Balinese governmant does not have the resources and jurisdiction to go after these terrorists as they are based outside Bali.
The indonesian government should be the one going after these killers. The problem is that many islamic terrorist organizations in indonesia like FPI, JI and others have many symphatizers in the three branches of government. They are powerful enough to operate freely above the law. For example, they are providing military training openly in Java for islamic youths who want to fight christian minorities in Ambon, Palu, etc. The openly and violently attacked night clubs, closed down churches under the watchful eyes of the Police. The Police’s reluctance and timidity to intervene has only emboldened these terrorist groups, and made them more daring.
Tuyul,
Understood. Of course the complexity of this tragedy has many twists, turns, and landmines. I recall the film, “The year of living dangerously” well, and my studies of the situation in East Timor going back to 1976 with the massacres, and realize how utterly powerless to see solutions this could make citizens.
Think globally, act locally? Could the “eyes and ears” which could if mean all the citizens, find a way to work WITH the local authorities to identify the terrorists? If the Balinese cops do not have the resources, then my point stands in this - stop busting models with X in their purses, and partner with EVERYONE to root out the killers.
Do they not have the resources to arrest or fire the corrupt cops? Or do they not have the will to do this? Identify the cops that collude with the drug dealers, and jail them. Rebuild the police force and the courts with a LOCAL resolve to stop the violence. If one has to “sacrifice” by using a moratorium on hunting drug users, if this would help prevent one more death, I would think the moral imperative would be available to consider this strategy and would be a persuasive argument.
Respectfully,
Bennett
Nick,
thanks for the report and glad that you and the family are fine.
The undetonated boms (4 of them) were found in Jimbaran - betweem Cafe Nyoman and Cafe Menega - the police detonated them afterward.
It’s a shame and very, very sad.
My american hubby won’t ever ever want to go back to Indonesia along with our american children!
I am sitting in Tokyo, supposed to be flying to Bali today. Garuda is not answering their phones and their website is off-line. Needless to say, I am cancelling my plans…landed here yesterday from Calgary Canada. My hopes and prayers goes out to those who were killed or hurt…
Nick, I recieved an email from my son Alec Tessarowicz. He is OK. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of those injured and the family of those who were killed… Thank you for this blog, Chris Tessarowicz
I’m interested in hearing what Bali local ex-pat’s have to say about the feeling in Bali now. We have a group sceduled to come this week, and many of our people are asking us if we should cancel our plans.
It’s easy to get caught into the media fear, which makes it difficult to make rational decisions.
For me, I feel that it will be OK, but I don’t know about taking first timers.
Nick, I recieved an email from my son Alec Tessarowicz. He is OK. My prayers and thoughts go out to all of those injured and the family of those who were killed… Thank you for this blog, Chris Tessarowicz
Thank you everyone who posted. I’m okay but am sad for the victims and angry at the people behind this. Innocent people from many countries were killed and injured and this serves no purpose.
Life goes on. I will still be coming to Bali soon. Remember guys these bombs are as much about destabilising Indonesia and usurping moderate Islam as they are about killing tourists and the tourist trade of Bali. The perpetrators are idiots with a medieval theology who will achieve nothing and are maiming innocent people. They are not fit to call themselves human beings.
if anybody knows anything about marc lo porto, “frenchy”, he sometimes goes by, please post something or send me a mail!
What about the crazy islamic group by the Ayam Taliwang Bersudara ( lombok grilled chicken place) on jalan imam bonjol in Kuta?
Do you think the police have ever checked those guys out? They should.
sorry- looking for marc lo porto and my email is carmeltsabar@yahoo.com, thanks for any info!
sorry- looking for marc lo porto and my email is carmeltsabar@yahoo.com, thanks for any info!
I think you’re right Jonathan. These people want, above anything, to cause chaos and ruin as well as hurting innocent people. Unfortunate as these bombings are, they cannot stop most people from going on with life. This is my holiday week from work (Chinese holiday) - I’ve worked hard these past months and tomorrow I’m going ahead to Bali. I hope anyone else who chooses the same has a wonderful, relaxing time!
I arrived home on Monday morn from Bali with my suami and anuk anuk aged 10 & 12. It was our 1st time in Bali and believe the culture, people and country is truly beautiful. I cried when I picked up the Sunday Mail this morning, not because if we were NSW educators instead of QLD teachers we would still be there on holidays but because we truly love the people and are saddened by the devasting effect this will have on their already poor economy. We have already planned to take long-service and return in August/September for a month next year. We have also planned to purchase many “F**k Terrorists” T-Shirts during our month visit in 2006. Don’t stop going to Bali…if you do “the bad, sad, mad” Terrorists win!! Good Karma to all.
Hi Nick
We have been reading bali blog for the last couple of months as we eagerly await our departure on 8 October (this coming Saturday).
Firstly, we would like to say thanks for the info and updates so far.
Secondly, we would like to hear from yourself or anyone else that can give us some idea of what to expect when we arrive on Saturday afternoon. We are booked to stay in Tuban for 9 nights and then off to Nusa Dua 4 nights.
Not only have we worked hard for this holiday, we are of the belief that these bastards can’t be allowed to succeed. Are we being selfish and insensitive going on holiday to a destination where innocent people have once again lost their lives? Do we stay away out of respect or do we still go and support the balinese who just don’t deserve to suffer yet again.
As I type this, the news is on in the background reporting on the recent events. Some Australians are returning home and some are still heading over regardless. The decision we have to make is - Do we stay or go??
Simon & Kerry
Melbourne
Australia
Hi Nick,
I received this email this morning. As you’re much closer, would you be interested in going on Radio 5 Live? Please email me your yes or no.
Check out the audio feed here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/fivelive/aod.shtml?fivelive/pods_blogs
Dear Jakartass
I produce/present a segment on BBC Radio Five Live that tries to look at the news through the eyes of bloggers and podcasters (archive here). I’m interested in speaking with an Indonesian blogger about reaction to events in Bali - not eyewitness stuff - but how people in Indonesia regard such terrorism. I don’t know if you might be able to talk with us? We would of course respect your anonymity - we are even happy to do interviews via skype which is somewhat harder to trace than a phone call, and certainly much harder to tap. It also has the advantage of offering better sound quality over a fast net connection.
Ideally we’d want to do the interview live at around 9:20AM Indonesian Central time on Monday - but we can record at other times if that is inconvenient.
I’m based in Los Angeles hence the phone number and email.
–
Chris Vallance
producer/reporter
tel +13109335865
cel +13104330747
email: radioproducer@gmail.com
http://www.bbc.co.uk/radio/aod/networks/fivelive/aod.shtml?fivelive/pods_blogs
http://www.bbc.co.uk/fivelive/podsandblogs
http://pocketplanetradio.typepad.com
skype: pocketplanetradio
I too am booked for Bali for end of the month. Don’t let the bastards WIN. Security will be tighter than ever over there. Just trust in your decision whatever it is and don’t look back.
I agree w/ Tony, Donna, and others….if people change plans, the terrorists succeed even more. I’ve spent so much time/effort planning this trip - believe me, trying to legally change Chinese currency to US$ in China IS NOT easy! It’s more the desire to go and effort already spent preparing than the potential lost money that makes me more determined not to cancel.
Many people here and in US are telling me it won’t be any fun there now for many reasons. I won’t know until I arrive tomorrow. I feel bad for the dead and injured; but I can’t stop my life.
I do agree that the security presence may be stronger immediately after the bombings. I heard on TV here that Aussie police are going over - not sure if it’s for security or to help the injured. Good sign, maybe!
Cheers! I arrive tomorrow night (Monday)
Donna,
Well said. We need to support our Balinese friends as much as possible. I fly out on Wednesday and looking forward to it.
G’Day Nick,
Glad you are fine mate. Catch up with you on Wednesday. Good win by MU!.
Unfortunately for Bali it is part of Indonesia and extremists have not been dealt with satisfactorily.
Many Christians have been persecuted and the government has allowed so called Jihadis to set sail for places like Ambon where
as a consequence locals have been butchered. Church services of late have been disrupted.
Corruption flourishes. Kids are locked up for 20 years for pot whilst the Bakirs of this world get relatively short sentences.
Tonight I am seriously thinking about canceling and giving another place a go. Who is to say that the people of
Southern Thailand are not just in need of the tourist dollar. Indonesia and Bali need to clean up their act in a number of areas.
I have a great fondness for Bali but am wondering whether I would enjoy it so much with what has happened. Any advice? Other great locations available for next week?
Maybe I will just defer and go somewhere else in the meantime?
Thanks Tony, Donna, Lilypond and Barrie. We will be there on Saturday and I am sure we won’t regret it either. We have only been to Bali once before (last year for a friend’s wedding) but enjoyed it enough to want to go back.
I hope you all have a safe and happy trip.
I was not aware about the bomb until my dad told me on Sun morning.”Bali had been bombs again” I was shock and lost.I was asking my dad which part of Bali? He can’t tell me cause the paper are in Chinese and I dont understand them.I had to go online to see if my friend who is working in Kuta are affected.Yes 1 go off in Kuta but where? I send a sms at 9.30am to him but no reply and decided to give a call.I was so glad the HP ringing and was even glad he pick up his phone.His place is about 1km from the blast area in Kuta.He sound so sad when I talked to him.I guess they have gone thru alot since the last blast on 2002 and I believe they dont want to go thru again.I really feel so bad and sad for this balinese and indonesian peoples who have to worked so hard to find income to feed their family. ” why they have to do that ” that the question my friend ask me or any other innocent peoples will ask.I really really dont have the answer I told him.I dont even know what the world will turn out to be with so many killing here and there.We human are worse that animals.Animals killed for living but we human kill for hatred and power.I am a Chinese living in a Muslim country Malaysia.I love my country and my muslim friends I hope it will not happen to Malaysia.I prayed!
Bennett.. Indonesia has a massive drug problem.
Can’t blame them for trying to stamp it out when its killing thousands more than terrorism is.
Mat.
“Can’t blame them for trying to stamp it out when its killing thousands more than terrorism is.”
Two years ago in Jakarta, a young army officer, who happened to be the son of a powerful army general, was arrested and charged for selling a large amount of cocaine to undercover cops. The charge was later misteriuosly dropped. No government officials, and no media people, no body complained about it loudly. I would not be surprised if he continues selling drugs now as he is above the law. It is very strange, in light of the thousandss more who died or are dying of drugs.
In indonesia, justice is applied discriminatorily, and that it is not upheld for the sake of protecting the innocent victims.
“Can’t blame them for trying to stamp it out when its killing thousands more than terrorism is.”
Are they trying to “stamp it out”
Does making an example out of Corby or the recent model busted with 2x tabs serve justice or save innocent victims?
this seems to be justice handed out “for the convenience of law enforcement” - an all to common approach - their goal is to obtain the easiest, cheapest conviction vs. the CORRECT conviction. And seeming, in Indonesia, as tuyul points out, if you have a badge and a gun, or know the right people, you can deal drugs, frame innocent people, entrap and then convict them if the extortion does not work, and all sorts of egregious wastes of human energies. their “Justice system” turns a blind eye to this madness.
Not a place to send your kids. Not a place to invest your capital.
My point is the same.
STAMP OUT DRUGS OR STAMP OUT TERRORISM
Pick one, since obviously you [Indonesia] cannot succeed at both for reasons already mentioned
Bennett
does anyone know the status of my american friend lee turner who i heard was injured in the october 2, 2005 bali bombings?
My sympathies for anyone’s loss. Do not cancel your trips to Bali. I’ll be doing my 30th trip in 15 years, soon. I heard the 2002 explosions while star gazing in Ubud, about 30 kms away. I’m still around maybe because I’ve never overnighted in Kuta, Sanur, Jimbaran or Nusa Dua. I’m not against partying in the south, but just know that these places are targets. Bombers do not favour venues north of Tohpati. Go visit and chill out, dare I say in Ubud, the central mountains, the east the north etc etc. Bali is NOT just 3 bomb target beaches in the south…Go party in your living room and appreciate Bali for its natural wonders. It beats coming home in a body bag.
Eer…cheers.
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