Today marks 20 years since the horrific Bali Bombings on the night of 12 October 2002.
202 people from more than 20 countries tragically lost their lives. Over 100 people suffered irreparable injury from the blasts and fire that followed. Australia suffered the greatest toll with 88 Australians losing their lives.
The grief and pain caused is still felt today. This anniversary and today’s ceremonies will be difficult for many.
As we remember those lost we offer our deepest sympathies to the victims’ families, those who still carry the scars and we acknowledge the selflessness of emergency responders in the wake of the devastation.
Many Australians, including the families of victims, survivors and first responders have made the pilgrimage each year back to Bali for the anniversary and each year they are welcomed by Indonesia.
Our relationship with Indonesia is one of great importance. It defies those who sought to cause long-lasting chaos on that day and our ties remain strong.
As our relationship has continued to deepen with Indonesia, so has our cooperation since 2002 with a range of strategic, security, defence and economic partnerships, including the 2021 renewal of our Counter-Terrorism Memorandum of Understanding.
Sadly, the threat of terrorism persists. The need to remain resolute in keeping Australians safe from terrorism continues, necessitating diplomatic and security work with international partners to prevent the devastation of terrorism and combat the ideologies that fuel it.
Today, in recognition of the 20th anniversary, let us remember the 202 souls including the 88 Australians who lost their lives in the Bali Bombings and those who still bear the scars of that night.
Let our thoughts be with them and their families – for they will never forget and neither should we.
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