Sadly we start this issue with another tragedy, well more than one actually, with terror attacks in Manchester, Melbourne, Manila, London and Jakarta over recent weeks. And this long list of names gives us pause for thought and a realisation: it can happen anywhere, and it has already happened in the worst possible circumstances in Bali.
It is easy to forget, and indeed would be better to forget, that Bali suffered the most horrible bombing on October 12th 2002 in Kuta when 202 people were killed and 209 injured in a senseless and ultimately purposeless attack on innocent holiday–makers.
This was repeated in October 2005 on the beach in Jimbaran when 20 more innocent diners were killed having dinner. But the perpetrators were found and punished and the island has remained relatively safe ever since, but with the wave of senseless violence sweeping the world let us not become complacent and lose our vigilance.
Bali in July is busy, and in this issue we are encouraging you to shop for great goods here on the island, indeed we are also encouraging you to dine well, to party, to swim, dive, raft and have fun but wherever you go and whatever you do, please keep your eyes and ears open for potential danger.
Many hotels, restaurants and bars have instituted vehicle and people safety checks which are inconvenient but really necessary, but many have not, so please don’t relax until you are sure you are in a safe place. The recent attacks have often used cars and trucks to bulldoze people so again be aware if there is anything unusual happening – and take cover immediately.
It is so unlikely that anything will happen again but better safe than sorry (and that includes swimming and surfing safely, driving safely and eating sensibly too!).
So keep alert and you can enjoy Bali all the more!
Stay Safe.
