BOMB BLASTS IN BALI - at least 25 Killed!

[Shazzam]

All of the Australian victims (bar one) have returned home. The bodies of the dead are on their way home. I hope the world doesn't forget too quickly. I hope people take care when making their travel plans. Everyone should check the security notices issues by governments on the internet before they make their travel plans. I know that this won't guarantee safety; but at least you will be informed.

[Danyet]

Downer fails to convince Indonesia to ban JI
Canberra

Bad News:
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has failed to convince Indonesia to outlaw Jemaah Islamiah.

Mr Downer returned home late yesterday after a three-day trip to Indonesia, which included talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

While Mr Downer was unable to get Indonesia to oblige on the JI ban, he came away with assurances of improved counter-terrorism structures, including better coordination of its response to the terrorism and tougher laws.[[/u]

[Shazzam]

Downer fails to convince Indonesia to ban JI
Canberra

Bad News:
Foreign Minister Alexander Downer has failed to convince Indonesia to outlaw Jemaah Islamiah.

Mr Downer returned home late yesterday after a three-day trip to Indonesia, which included talks with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.

While Mr Downer was unable to get Indonesia to oblige on the JI ban, he came away with assurances of improved counter-terrorism structures, including better coordination of its response to the terrorism and tougher laws.[[/u]

I think the Balinese people would like to see tougher laws from what we are witnessing this week. The Balinese people are very angry. I suppose at the end of the day the Government of Australia can only make suggestions; we can't tell other countries how to govern. However, Australians can chose to stay away from countries that they feel that their safety might be at risk, sort of like a boycott. I know that this will hurt economies, but maybe it will make government sit up and take notice.

It seems to me that money is the new religion and it is able to speak all languages.

[Danyet]

It appears that Balinese people, traditionally, have had no affinity for Islam since it was Hindu elitists who setteled in Bali in order to get away from the spreading Muslims.

Muslims will use Bali as their "killing ground" until they take control there too. Once they have control of Bali there will be no tourist trade anyway and poverty will increase as it does in any Muslim country!!

Unless Indonesia adopts a purely secular government and takes tough measure to keep it that way, I predict the end of Bali as we know it.

[Shazzam]

It appears that Balinese people, traditionally, have had no affinity for Islam since it was Hindu elitists who setteled in Bali in order to get away from the spreading Muslims.

Muslims will use Bali as their "killing ground" until they take control there too. Once they have control of Bali there will be no tourist trade anyway and poverty will increase as it does in any Muslim country!!

Unless Indonesia adopts a purely secular government and takes tough measure to keep it that way, I predict the end of Bali as we know it.

Surely it is only sects of the Muslim communities in Indonesia that these problems arise with. It can't be all Muslim communities. I do see where you are coming from though.

It is like the old saying; "in extreme cases you need extreme measures."

[Danyet]

You are right, they don't all blow up innocent people. Only the most radical will actually go that far but they all reap the benefits of a unified people under one religious system. Why do you think that the Indonesion government is soft on these criminals?

Don't you think it strange that wherever you find a growing Muslim population you also find terrible violence. Just take a look at Southern Thailand for example.

[Shazzam]

You are right, they don't all blow up innocent people. Only the most radical will actually go that far but they all reap the benefits of a unified people under one religious system. Why do you think that the Indonesion government is soft on these criminals?

Don't you think it strange that wherever you find a growing Muslim population you also find terrible violence. Just take a look at Southern Thailand for example.

My mother actually told me a very interesting story yesterday. She had been watching one of her many current affairs programs (she is addicted to the news; so she is actually a very well informed person) . She apparently watched an interview with an x-government official of Indonesia; I'm pretty sure he was the leader of the country some years back (he is blind). Anyway he reckons that alot of the attacks that are happening in Indonesia are started by corrupt police officers and officials. The reasoning behind this is because western countries supply Indonesia with millions and millions of dollars each year (for the prevention of terrorism etc). He claims that they keep the reign of terror going as it is a money spinner.

What do you think about that one?

[Danyet]

I have found no information to substantiate that. But it would not surprize me if some officials in Indonesia have sucumed to this. However as far as the police being in on it, I don't think so because the police, themselves have been targeted by terrorists in the past.

[Shazzam]

I have found no information to substantiate that. But it would not surprize me if some officials in Indonesia have sucumed to this. However as far as the police being in on it, I don't think so because the police, themselves have been targeted by terrorists in the past.

I don't believe that police can't be corrupted. I live in a country that continually prosecutes police for being corrupt; i would find it very doubtful that this sort of problem doesn't exist in Indonesia. Apparently the gentleman in this interview was a very high up politician (so he sounds quite credible). I will ask my mother his name and post it here.

Nothing would surprise me. I have friends that visit Indonesia on a regular basis and they have said that corruption in authority runs rampid.