Worried about the Balinese people

[Ipanema]

OK here's my opinion. I started going to Bali in 1981 but more recently for business instead of fun. I took the first group of buyers over in March 04 then another in Sept 04 then in Jan 05 and then again in Aug 05. We all keep in touch as some are from Adelaide and some from Brisbane. The Adelaide group just got back the other day. There plane going over was empty and the flight back was cancelled and then combined with a Melbourne flight.

I am worried about the Balinese people and there ability to cope with this second terrorist attack. I have seen a special by ABC on the Bali First campaign and hope some good will come out of that.

After the last bombing I had people buying from me and saying "this is as close as I am going to get to Bali". It's sad I know but I can understand that when they are on holidays they don't want to have to think about terrorist attacks etc.

Now it seems that even Australia :roll: isn't safe as we have just had major arrests in ploting terrorist attacks. I know my whole mind set changed when I heard this news. So I have a very little idea of what the Balinese and expats are thinking.

Anyway I and my son will be there in February and doing our little bit to help the local people.

[Bert Vierstra]

Took a group of Buyers?

What do you do?

And what's your little help for the Balinese people?

[Ipanema]

I wanted to bring back homewares from Bali. Got burned the first time then in Sept 04 I talked some people into going over that own a chain of homewares/gift shops. They in turn took over one of the biggest giftware chains in Adelaide. So instead of buying from China we have our own chain of suppliers in Bali. We have suppliers that make little bags for heat beads, shoes, dresses, jewellery, stone carvings, bamboo chimes, umbrellas, metal animals and paintings. I started with a half a container and now we are up to 6 x 40' containers this year and hopefully a lot more next year.

[Roy]

I am worried about the Balinese people and there ability to cope with this second terrorist attack.

I wouldn't worry too much. They are a remarkably resilient people and entirely capable of taking care of themselves, no matter what.

I'm not saying that they don't need help and assistance in improving their infrastructure, education, health issues, etc. but long after we are all gone, you can be sure, they'll still be here on Bali, doing their daily offerings and ceremony, ceremony, cermony.

[Ipanema]

Yes Bert I do believe you are right.

[Tommy]

Yeah i totally agree with Roy on this one.