Officials Commit To Better Caring For Bali’s Ground Zero Monument 

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The events of 12th October 2002 are etched on the minds and hearts of Bali lovers forever.

The Bali Bombing attacks, which claimed the lives of 202 people, including 88 Australians, was the most devastating terror attack the province has ever seen. 

Opened in 2004, the Bali Bombing Memorial was built on the site of Paddy’s Bar, the site of the attack in Kuta.

The monument sits across the road from the now-demolished Sari Club, which was also hit in the attack. 

The memorial has become a site for family, friends who lost loved ones, and communities affected by the terror attack to gather in remembrance.

The memorial also serves as a reminder to all who visit that peace will and must prevail. 

@channelnewsasia Friends and families of victims of the deadly 2002 Bali bombings gathered at the memorial site in Indonesia on Wednesday to mark the incident's 20th anniversary #balibombingmemorial #news ♬ original sound – CNA

The memorial, also known as Ground Zero Monument, is visited by thousands of people every year, and typically, Australian tourists pay the most attention to the upkeep of the commemorative space.

In recent months, tourists have noted concerns that the Bali Bombing Memorial has not been well maintained by the local authorities. 

The Kuta Village Community Empowerment Institute has responded to concerns and has committed to ensuring the space is well maintained, both to honor those affected by the attacks and to ensure that those visiting the memorial feel comfortable and safe. 

@kennotravels A sad 😢 day in Bali's 🇮🇩 history. This is the Bali Bombing Memorial that pays tribute to those who lost their lives in the October 12, 2002 terrorist attack in Kuta. The elegant monument reveals the names of 202 people from various countries who died in the blasts. 88 of those who lost their lives were Australian 🇦🇺 📍Kuta, Bali Indonesia 🇮🇩 #memorial #monument #kuta #legian #kutabeach #kutabeachbali #bali #baliindonesia #balitravel #indonesia #indonesiatravel ♬ original sound – Kenno

The Chairman of the LPM Kuta Subdistrict, Putu Adnyana, said that the condition of Ground Zero requires urgent attention. He noted that authority lies with the Badung Regency Tourism Office, though he shared his hopes that the cleanliness, comfort, and order in the surrounding area can be given more attention.

Adnyana said, “The responsibility for management was in the domain of the Badung LHK Service. But from May 2023, the responsibility will be the Tourism Office. From the Tourism Office, there are arrangements, whether it is managed as religious tourism, that will be discussed. “We hope that this monument can be managed better in the future.”

@beautyandblessed #seeyouagain ✨ #bali #balibombingmemorial #legian #kuta #love #life #tiktok #fyp ♬ See You Again (feat. Charlie Puth) – Wiz Khalifa

He noted that the Badung Regency Government must first make the necessary repairs and that once this is completed, the Kuta Village Community will ensure it is well maintained.

Adnyana explained, “From the Badung Regency Government, in this case, the Tourism Office wants to repair or arrange the doors, floors, and gardens which are not well maintained. “

“After it has been repaired, management of the monument will be carried out [by us].”

He added, “Currently, the monument area is faced with various problems such as rubbish, careless parking, and activities that are not in accordance with the essence of this place.” 

“We want to see this monument managed well so that it remains sacred and has a positive impact on society,”

Adnyana agreed that although management changes are underway, the area must be tidied up as soon as possible.

He told reporters, “Even though the management concept is still being developed by the Tourism Department, the main focus at this time is improving the physical condition of the monument.” 

“Any damage to the fountain and garden will be repaired immediately to improve the overall aesthetics.”

Adnyana revealed that the Badung Regency government also plans to use the former Sari Club land to create a museum.

This land will be used as a ‘center for information on the humanitarian tragedy of the Bali Bombing, voicing human values and messages of love’.

The Isana Dewata Foundation has stepped forward and confirmed interest in helping to facilitate the land acquisition process. 

Adnyana expects to see progress on the museum and repairs to the Bali Bombing Monument happening alongside one another.

He noted, “There is already a plan, but it is not certain. We hope that this monument can be considered in terms of order, security, and cleanliness, and we ask that Ground Zero be made into a kind of museum, meaning that it is a unity.”

“We will first see what the government says regarding arrangements. After May, repairs will definitely be carried out on the damage that occurred at the Bali Bombing Monument.”