A total of 202 candles and 12 torches were lit at the beach, making the atmosphere solemn during prayer time.Kuta, Bali (ANTARA News) - Thousands of people gathered at Kuta Beach in Bali on Friday evening to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Bali bombings.
"We, along with the victims` family members and tourists, released 202 turtles to the sea. We wish to pay respect to those who have died. From the Kuta beach here, we will campaign for peace and harmony, as people from across the world are represented here," the chief of Kuta Beach Task Force I, Gusti Ngurah Tresna, said.
Meanwhile, some 150 surfers formed a circle in the sea to symbolize peace.
Many drew symbols of love and peace on the beach sand, while a few wrote "Kuta 2012" on it.
A total of 202 candles and 12 torches were lit at the beach, making the atmosphere solemn during prayer time.
"The candles represent the 202 people who died during the Bali bombings in 2002, while the 12 torches represent the date of the incident, which was October 12," Gusti said.
After the prayer service was held as per Hindu rites, the visitors and victims` family members shook hands with each other.
"We had never held an event like this one before. All of this was planned in a way that visitors, local traders and local community members could all together to remember the painful tragedy," Gusti explained.
Meanwhile, Bali bombing survivors and the victims` family members also held a prayer service at Ground Zero in Legian.
"We still held it even though an official ceremony had been held at GWK (Garuda Wishnu Kencana) this morning," said Ni Luh Erniati, the chief of Isana Dewata (an association of the wives, husbands and children of Bali bombing victims).
The official ceremony held at GWK in the morning was attended by several dignitaries, including Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
