Paddle for Peace: Bali memorial paddle-out

Bali Bombing Memorial

Paddle for Peace leads surfers in memorial Paddle-Out

Surfersvillage Global Surf News, 12 October, 2012 : - - Friday's Bali Bombing memorial was filled with reminders. Tears were shed as victims' names were read. Not far away, surfers paddled for waves and vacationers lined busy sidewalks. Suicide bombers killed 202 people when one blew himself up inside, and another set off a car bomb at the popular Sari Club and Paddy's Pub in Kuta in 2002.

In a tribute to the 202 people killed by the terrorist bombs, surfers took to the waves and joined hands during the 'Paddle for Peace' off Kuta beach in Bali. Ken Lucas, an Australian who organised the original "Paddle for Peace" ceremony, said the event, similar to ones staged earlier, paid tribute to those who died in a way which reflected Bali's peaceful spirit.

Paddle for peace, originating in 2002 after the Bombings, is a not for profit organisation with paddleboard events and information. Competitors in the ASP Oakely World Pro Junior Championships (under 21 years of age) taking place in Bali also paddled out and joined hands at Keramas. 

                           World Pro Junior competitors paddle out at Keramas © Mick Curley

Australia suffered more deaths in the attacks than any other country, with 88 of its citizens dead. The Australian government paid for more than 600 survivors and victims' family members to attend the memorial ceremony. Photos of the victims were posted on large black boards.

The attack, carried out by suicide bombers from the al-Qaida-linked group Jemaah Islamiyah, started a wave of violence in the world's most populous Muslim nation, hitting an embassy, hotels and restaurants. Three years later, another bomb attack killed 20 people. Balinese suffer still from the attacks, which killed 38 Indonesians and injured many more.

Tourism has bounced back. Last year 2.7 million came to visit the island. Security was tight at Friday's memorial with more than 2,000 police and military deployed, including snipers.

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Source: AP / Paddle for Peace

Author: The Editors

Tags: Bali Bombing, Paddle for Peace,

Culture: Surfersvillage