Press Release

No.293/HMS/X/02

Indonesia Strongly Condemned Bomb Attacks in Bali

The Government of the Republic Indonesia has strongly condemned the barbaric acts of terrorism that took place in Bali, Indonesia on 12 October 2002 which caused over 180 deaths and hundereds of injuries.  On behalf of the Government and People of Indonesia, President Megawati Soekarnoputri conveyed her condolences and deep sympathy to the families and loved ones of the victims. 

After a special cabinet meeting in Jakarta, the Government announced a fresh resolve against terrorism, which includes confronting it totally and comprehensively.  The Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a press briefing, “the cabinet agreed on a stance and steps to be taken in the future that enough is enough; in the future, we will not only state that we are in a war against terrorism, but also implement the steps to be decided upon.”

The Indonesian Government stressed that the brutal and inhumane acts of violence contravened the applicable law, religious teachings and the moral standards that Indonesians uphold. The security authorities are presently working hard to investigate the bombings and find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.

Meanwhile, medical emergency measures are intense and ongoing, and the Government of Indonesia welcomed the humanitarian assistance offered by the Government of Australia in the form of medical teams, which have already arrived in Bali.

The Government of Indonesia expressed deep appreciation for the support and expression of condolences by world leaders and peoples throughout the world concerning the tragic event.

                                                                        New York, 14 October 2002