by Geoff Robson

As the first anniversary of the October 12 Bali bombing approaches, the long-term effects of the tragedy are only just starting to take hold for the Balinese people.

That’s the view of Christians who are seeking to bring much-needed aid to Bali, only to see the region’s economy spiral out of control and create a whole new set of problems.

Dr Ketut Waspada, pastor of the Bali Protestant Church (BPC) and chairman of aid organisation Dinari, says the decline in the vital tourism industry – as a direct result of last year’s terrorist attack – has created a host of ongoing challenges for the community.

Dr Waspada, who visited churches in Australia last month to discuss Dinari’s partnership with Opportunity International in Bali, says that while the effects on tourism have left many people with little or no income, other problems have now emerged.

Financial pressures, along with ongoing coverage of trials for the accused bombers, means that most Balinese are finding it hard to move on with their lives. “It is hard to understand that some people are happy to see others suffer, or they are happy to see the World Trade Center crashing down,” Dr Waspada said. “Anywhere you go, you still hear the people talking about it.”

Dr Waspada says there is an air of brutality in Bali, with many people more likely to respond violently to problems. “People are more aggressive. That is why it is hard for the church, and for Dinari and the NGOs in Bali, to bring people together.”

Sue Scarcella, a long-term supporter of the BPC and an expert in Balinese culture, has visited Bali twice since last October and hopes to return again next year. She says many middle-class people are now struggling to make ends meet. “People who weren’t in trouble are in trouble now,” she says. “They just can’t put their kids through school. It’s surprising to see the people that [request for aid] is coming from.”

Most of the aid provided so far has been short-term assistance to meet immediate needs. But Mrs Scarcella believes it is unlikely there will ever be a full recovery for the Balinese economy, and says drastic, long-term change is needed.

“People will have to get the economy going within their own community, and not be dependent on the fact that tourists are coming. They are not going to come back – not in the numbers they once did.”

Mrs Scarcella has organised aid for local orphanages and for the two primary schools nearest the bombsites. Her husband Rocco, who is assistant minister at Sylvania Anglican Church, will attend this month’s memorial service in Bali, and will take aid for schools and gifts for children who lost fathers in the attacks.
Jim Wackett from Opportunity International says the Christian witness by members of the Bali Protestant Church has been ‘quite remarkable’ since the bombing last year. He is now urging Christians in Australia to be involved in helping Bali to rebuild.

“The most important thing we can be doing at the moment is to pray for the people of Bali. It’s such an important thing to do,” Mr Wackett said.
Sue Scarcella says there are many ministry opportunities for Christians willing to go to Bali.

“Go and talk to them; see what help they need and find out what organisations are helping over there,” she urges. “They need the word of God and the comfort of Jesus, but they don’t know they need it. We have the words of eternal life, and the people of Bali will listen.”

To find out how to support Bali, contact Sue on (02) 9522 7625.