On 24 October
2002, the government of Australia organized a national memorial
service to honor the victims of Bali bombing during which approximately
1,000 people participated.
Seen attending the service were Governor-General Peter Hollingworth,
PM John Howard, Speaker of Parliament Neil Andrew, President
of Senate Paul Calvert, Australian Defense Commander General
Peter Cosgrove, Police Commissioner Michael Keelty, Ministers,
Governors and Premiers of all States and Territories, Senators,
Members of Parliament, members of the grieving families, foreign
dignitaries, and others.
All religious leaders participated in this national memorial
service during which Governor-General Hollingworth, PM John
Howard, Leader of Opposition Simon Crean and Deputy Prime Minister
gave the audiences words of consolation. They also asked all
Australians to be resolute in fighting terrorism and called
them further to keep Australia as an open, tolerant, and multicultural
society despite what happened in Bali.
A special role has also been accorded to religious leaders from
of Islam and Hindu to lid the candle followed by members of
the grieving families to honor the victims of the Bali Bombing.
As a representative of Indonesia, Charge d'Affaires of the Indonesian
Embassy in Canberra Imron Cotan was accorded an opportunity
to speak on behalf of the Indonesian government and its people
during which he once again conveyed the deepest sympathy and
heartfelt condolences of the Indonesian government and its people
to the government and people of Australia, especially those
who have fallen victims of the abhorrent act of terrorism in
Bali on 12 October 2002. These victims came from different nationalities,
notably Australians and Indonesians.
Mr. Cotan reiterated that only through understanding and solidarity
can we pass through this difficult moment. And, only through
our determination and resolve can we confront the forces of
evil as to allow us to live in peace and harmony.
He also seized the opportunity to sincerely thank the government
of Australia and its people - and indeed other friendly countries
- for extending to Indonesia their helping hands not only in
tending the victims of this tragic incident, but also in assisting
it to track down those responsible in order to bring them to
justice.
