Bali Today

Once, before October 11th, 2001 it was safe to bet that it was thought by many to be in the south pacific somewhere, courtesy of Mr. Rogers and Mr. Hammerstein from the musical South Pacific. After that date it was perhaps seen as a Muslim militant stronghold following the horrendous night of bombing that destroyed the lives of so many when the clubs Sari and Padi? Were targeted. This was strengthened by the bombs of October 1 2005, when once again, tourists became the victims as two more sites were bombed.

In my opinion this view is incorrect and I have to say that both views are wrong.

For one thing, Bali is in the Indian Ocean, part of the Indonesian Archipelago. Its people are predominantly Hindu although there is a small percentage of Muslims living seamlessly together.

Those of us who have chosen to make this island our home be it for holidays or everyday living, are bewildered by the events of the last years at has always been a fantastic tourist destination, schools even do field trips from other countries to Bali to enhance the children’s knowledge of the world around them as a safe learning experience. Most foreigners that visit or live here are engaged in some kind of business (although it is more a life choice decision to settle here rather than a commercial one) due to the peaceful settings and laid back but prosperous attitude in the air, and all businesses here are ultimately affected by tourism. It has been hardest on the 3 million Balinese people; many of course lost their jobs as businesses went to the wall especially after the bombings the second time around. Even those of us who managed to keep going have been under pressure to keep jobs open.

The people of Bali are not militants they are a peaceful, god fearing community. They have been the victims of the outrage as much as the innocent holiday makers who have been killed and maimed by a few extremists with radical ideas on how the country should be. Still they do not harbour any grudge against their Muslim brothers. It is refreshing though to see in today’s world that often is so intolerant of others different from ones self or others of a different faith than one’s own, an easy acceptance that not all are evil just a select few. A lesson perhaps, that many countries and societies could benefit from learning.

I hope the problems will stay away for a while from the peaceful place of Bali and its surrounding smaller sister islands. Others and myself hope that reason triumphs over fanaticism, as it should. With this theory I also hope that more people will come and see for themselves what this charming island has to offer for both residents and tourists alike once again. You will marvel at the sunsets and rises as well as the fascinating street stalls.

Would be great to see you here one day.