The Jakarta Post, October 17, 2002
Balinese ask for forgiveness
Tiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Kuta, Bali
Tears flowed as the Balinese asked for forgiveness and understanding from last
Saturday's bombing victims and their families at a gathering held by heads of the
traditional communities of Kuta, Legian and Seminyak here on Wednesday.
Speaking through their tears, the Bendesa Adat, or community heads, also
expressed their deepest sympathy and condolences to the victims and their families.
"Oh God ... how could this have happened to us? How?" I Made Wandra, the Kuta
community head, asked through his tears.
The audience, including foreign journalists, fell silent and some were barley able to
contain their own tears.
"Our nation's sense of humanity has been deeply shaken by this uncivilized act of
terrorism. We never imagined this kind of tragedy would take place here because we
have always felt safe in Kuta, Bali.
"Many have said that Bali is a paradise island. However, terrorists can also reach this
safe place, meaning that anywhere in the world at anytime a tragedy like this can
happen. This proves that no one can guarantee their safety," Wandra said.
The gathering was organized by three community heads -- I Made Wandra of Kuta, I
Wayan Widana of Legian and I Wayan Mara of Seminyak -- to announce their plan to
hold a series of purification rituals in connection with the bombings.
The gathering, however, turned into an emotional event when they asked all citizens,
government officials and security officers to strive toward purifying the country and to
remain consistent in creating justice, peace and unity. They also urged the nation to
refrain from provoking further conflicts.
The attack is believed by Balinese Hindus to have destroyed the harmony between
Earth and humans. To restore the balance, Balinese communities in Kuta, Legian and
Seminyak will perform the Guru Piduka ritual to ask for forgiveness.
This will be followed by the Gendu Piduka ritual, which is a pledge to work for a better
life. The event will be closed with the Pecaruan Melabuh Gentuh Nyatur Desa ritual,
which is meant to purify the communities and to pray for the blessings of the
population. This is in accordance with the Hindu principle of Tri Hita Karana, or the
balance and harmonious relationship between humans and the Creator, humans and
humans, and humans and nature.
Meanwhile, hundreds of people continue to visit the blast site to pay their respects to
the dead and to pray for peace in Bali. Visitors include students, members of youth
associations, religious groups and also foreign tourists who have remained in Bali.
Earlier in the day, Minister of Social Affairs Bachtiar Chamsyah said the central
government would donate Rp 1 billion to help rebuild the devastated area.
In Jakarta, Minister of Resettlement and Regional Infrastructure Soenarno announced
that the government had allocated Rp 500 billion from the state budget to rebuild
public facilities in Legian.
"There were 50 residential houses damaged in the blast and each house owner will
receive Rp 5 million," Soenarno said before attending an extraordinary Cabinet
meeting at the State Palace in Jakarta on Wednesday.
The money also will be used to repair roads and water pipes damaged in the blast.
Soenarno said the repair work was expected to be completed within three months.
The government also will finance the reconstruction of 71 shops and other buildings
damaged in the explosion.
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