Balinese tolerance under attack

Balinese tolerance under attack

Bali is seen in the eyes of some extremist Muslims as an
affront to the sensibilities of their religion.

Certainly, the predominantly Hindu Balinese have for decades
been accommodating hosts to foreign visitors. The foreigners have
often been less than sensitive to the spiritual and cultural
values of the Balinese, let alone the Indonesian Muslim
mainstream.

Despite this potential clash of cultures, many Australians
have developed an abiding love of Bali. It has long been a
beachhead in building the relationship between Australia and
Indonesia. This is precisely the time Australians need to show
their solidarity with a people under attack from evil forces.
Ordinary Australians can demonstrate it by refusing to cower in
the face of terrorism.

The Australian government can show it through measures that
continue to enhance vigilance and intelligence sharing.
-- The Age, Melbourne