The Badung Regency Government has acquired the land where the Sari Club once stood—the site of Indonesia’s deadliest terrorist attack in 2002. To commemorate the tragedy, a Peace Museum will soon be built at this location in Bali.
The land purchase was completed in December 2024 for 60 billion rupiahs (covering 15 acres). Currently, project planning is in full swing, and if everything goes as planned, construction will begin in 2026.
The park’s design will include a mural depicting the chronology of the events that day and a “reflection corner”, where visitors can sit and remember those who lost their lives. The museum is intended not only as a reminder of the attacks but also as a symbol of peace and tolerance.
Chairman of the Badung Regional Council, I Gusti Anom Gumati, stated that the museum will preserve important documents related to the tragedy and serve as a lasting reminder for future generations.
The 2002 Bali bombings in Kuta remain Indonesia’s deadliest terrorist attack in terms of casualties. On October 12, 2002, the first explosion occurred near the entrance of Paddy’s Pub, where a party was in full swing. The device, weighing around 1 kg, detonated at the club’s entrance.
Just 15 seconds later, as panicked patrons tried to escape, a second, much larger homemade bomb—weighing over 100 kg—exploded near Sari Club. The blast came from a Volkswagen van parked outside, causing massive devastation.
The attack on Paddy’s Pub and Sari Club claimed 202 lives, including 164 foreign nationals and 38 Indonesian citizens, with 209 others injured.
Today, a memorial stands at the site to honor the victims. Every year, on October 12, a ceremony is held, drawing visitors from around the world to pay their respects.
Two additional memorials exist in Australia—one in Canberra and another in Kings Park, Perth—as 88 of the victims were Australian citizens.
Sources/balipost.com
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