REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR - The first Bali bombing occurred exactly ten years ago has prompted governments, and peoples of different background, of different nationalities and religions, to reach out to one another. Instead of spreading the seed of hatred, the attack made people stand united, Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs Marty Natalegawa said on his speech at the 10th Anniversary of Bali Bombing on Friday.

The commemoration, held in Cultural Park Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Bali, was attended by Australian Prime Minister Julia Gillard, Australian Opposition Leader Tony Abbot, and New Zealand Minister for Foreign Affairs Murray McCully. The families and relatives of the victims also attended the anniversary.

"They (the terrorists) tested our resolve and resilience," Natalegawa said on his remarks. The attack that killed 202 people in Legian sought not only to kill and maim, but also to destroy values of freedom, tolerance and compassion. However, Indonesia did not succumb. The terrorists have failed.

Natalegawa said that democratic in Indonesia emerged stronger than ever before. The commemoration, he added, was an opportunity to renew and reiterate collective commitment to strengthen the voice of moderation, tolerance and mutual understanding among different communities.

The remembrance is expected to fight extremism and intolerance. It is also aimed to make people work together to ensure that such views would never take root in societies.

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