An Invitation To A Date
ONCE again Bali was rocked by explosions. Although the bombs were not as powerful as the ones during the 2002 Legian tragedy, they indicated a change in pattern. As suicide bombers, individuals can gain access to the heart of busy areasnot just the main streets, as with car bombs in the past. On the ground, police found important evidence: a wallet containing bomb codes, instructions on how to set and turn off alarms, as well as backpacks especially made for this kind of deadly action. Forensic tests indicate that this time the bombs consisted of explosives that are difficult to trace.
After the bombings in Bali and Jakarta over the last three years, the explosions in Jimbaran and Kuta Square prove how meticulous and determined the terrorists are with their work. They move like ghosts: attack and self-destruct in the blasts.
October 11, 2005
ONCE in a while Ketut Noren, 45, shines his torch towards the ocean while guarding Muaya Beach at Jimbaran, Bali. He sits in front of a store, whose wares are scattered on the sand. The beach is dark and quiet. A crescent moon hangs in the sky.
In front of Noren, tables and chairs are still strewn. Broken plates, glasses, ashtrays, sunglasses are half buried in the sand. This is Menegas Caf, one of the three cafes destroyed by bombs that exploded
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