Explosions rock local market in Sulawesi

Saturday May 28th a couple of bombs exploded in a local market in the town of Tentena, in Sulawesi, about 60km (37 miles) from Poso. In 1998 religious tensions between Muslims and Christians spilled over into violence and many people were killed. It was later confirmed that the whole thing had been whipped by fanatical Muslims from Java who had tried to cause disharmony. Tentena is a predominantly Christian town and todays blasts reportedly killed at least 19 people, wounding a further 20. I really hope the fundamentalist nuts who live in this country do not try to start a new wave of trouble. Most people are simply not of that mentality.

Today I drank a beer at Mades Warung in Kuta with a group of guys from Jakarta who are Harley Davidson fanatics. They come to Bali to hire bikes and ride around. I sat next to Jim Chandra (right of picture) who is in the engineering and construction business. All these guys are professional, love having fun and are all Muslim. I surprised Jim by saying I was Muslim too, after my wedding and he asked if I practiced. I told him no I did not and he said that in his company in Jakarta they have a club of Muslim expats, guys from Holland, Canada and other places who are married to Indonesians and get together to practice Islam. Jim told me I might want to consider doing that too for the benefit of my child later on. I will not be doing that but greatly appreciate his comments. For me Jim and his buddies are perfect examples of model Indonesian Muslims. Intelligent family men, who are successful, enjoy life and practice their religion without being fanatical.

My buddy Mike Hillis will be starting a new trekking business in Ambon, another former trouble spot. He loves the area but told me recently that a couple of local policemen were killed. Fingers crossed that the crazies are not gearing up for another session.