BADUNG, Bali – The Bali Bombing Memorial once again draws mourners, survivors, and visitors from around the world to Legian, marking 23 years since the 2002 terror attacks that left 202 people dead and 209 others injured.

The annual commemoration, held on Sunday (Oct 12, 2025) at the Bali Bombing Monument in Kuta, serves as a solemn reminder of one of Indonesia’s darkest nights — and the resilience of its people.

The coordinated bombings on October 12, 2002, targeted Paddy’s Pub and the Sari Club (SC) on Jalan Legian, as well as a separate location near the US Consulate in Renon, Denpasar. Most of the victims were foreign tourists, particularly from Australia, who had come to enjoy Bali’s vibrant nightlife.

This week, families and relatives of the victims began arriving in Bali to lay flowers and light candles at the memorial. The event featured interfaith prayers for global peace and unity, reflecting Bali’s spirit of compassion beyond religion and nationality.

Local residents also joined the ceremony, many expressing that the annual Bali Bombing Memorial not only honors those who perished but also symbolizes Bali’s unbroken strength. “It’s not only about mourning,” said a local participant. “It’s about remembering and moving forward with peace.”

Twenty-three years on, the monument stands as both a scar and a sanctuary — a place where grief finds healing, and remembrance fuels the commitment to never let such terror return.

Read also: Hambali Trial Set in US Military Court This November