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