In Reply to: My poroblem is.... posted by Tina G on Monday, 9. July 2007 at 09:31 Bali Time:
really shook people (me included) because of how unlikely it seemed as a terrorist target. After the 2002 bombings there were many smug people who believed that they themselves were safe from a similiar attack because they didnt frequent night clubs and werent likely to bring down the wrath of Islam because they didnt see themselves as leading the decadent western lifestyle that was the catalyst for the bombings. In that there was also a smidgeon of blame laid on the victims for their lifestyle choices. This forum was full of posts from people who 'dont have worry because we dont go to nightclubs and are respectful of the Balinese and their culture'. And then those same mums and dads and paragons of conservatism and good manners were targetted at Jimbaran Bay!
So how do you make a list of probable targets and places to avoid? Personally I dont think the average traveller has any chance of second guessing a terrorist. I mean really, if it was easy as choosing somewhere with the maximum amount of tourists then who would willingly spend any time at Denpasar airport?
For myself, though I still choose to holiday on Bali, I dont believe Bali is safe and I think there is no reason that there wont be any further bombings or other acts of terrorism perpetrated there. But most times when I am on holiday I dont think about it other than to unconsciously move away from unattended bags or parcels, but I have been to venues where for no logical reason I have felt nervous and so have left. Not because I am some sort of terrorism expert and not because I have any skill or experience that makes me more informed than security experts and agencies around the world but just because it makes me, illogically, feel safer. And, for the record, none of those places have been attacked as far as I know :)