Posted: Mon Oct 03, 2005 9:04 pm Post subject: Another blow to fragile Bali tourism
Two days after suicide bombers struck Indonesia's Bali, its people are still reeling from the blow.
Few can believe that the "Island of the Gods" has been attacked again.
Three years ago this month Bali suffered a similar attack, which killed more than 200 people.
Many believe the recovery this time around will take much longer and be much harder.
"I feel I am dead, I have no chance anymore in Bali looking for a job," said Agus, a 35-year-old tour guide originally from neighbouring East Java.
"I'm sure in the next few years, I must go back to Java to look for a job, because I can't stay here: I can't survive."
Click here for a graph of Bali tourism trends
Tourists are divided in their response. A number have already left, some on evacuation flights laid on by Australia and Singapore.
But officials say that images beamed around the world of long queues at the airport on Sunday morning were misleading, because many of those leaving had reached the end of their holidays anyway.
Perhaps surprisingly, other visitors have stayed. Anneke Gommers from the Netherlands said that while she was a little worried by the bombs, she would not be leaving.
Staying on
"The Balinese people cannot help it. It's terrible for them and if everyone goes, they will have nothing. They are so friendly and kindly," she said, adding that she was still intending to come back next year for another extended stay.
None of this has changed my plans of making a rather lengthy journey through Indonesia in about a year from now. I suppose events in the future could perhaps alter my plans though. _________________
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Album
FAQ
Quizzes
Search
Memberlist
Usergroups
Register
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
