Shock waves of the blasts have enraged Australians

Dewi Anggraeni, Contributor, Melbourne

The enormity of the horrific bomb attack in Kuta, Bali, is very much felt in Australia. Not only has Kuta been regarded affectionately by Australians as one of their most favored resorts, but at the time of the attack there were Australian footballers and rugby players in their end-of-season holiday in the area. As of Sunday night, eight of these footballers were still unaccounted for.

Since the time United States President George W. Bush began campaigning for war with Iraq, there has been opposition in Australia to the stance taken by Prime Minister John Howard in supporting the U.S. Consequently there is a groundswell of suspicion that the bomb attack targeted Australians. Indonesianist Greg Fealey, in an interview on ABC television, admitted that it would be difficult to avoid that perception.

Greens Party leader Bob Brown, in a statement to the media on Sunday night, reiterated the importance for Australia not to align itself with the U.S. over its plans for war with Iraq. On the other hand, while Prime Minister Howard expressed his sympathy for the victims of the attack, he emphasized yet again that the war on terror must go on and that the attack in Bali was further proof of the presence of al-Qaeda in Indonesia.

Even Indonesian scholar Arief Budiman, in an interview with ABC television news, expressed his concern that the Kuta attack showed signs that there was al-Qaeda involvement. "Up to now, the bombs used by terrorists in Indonesia were home-made and relatively small. But what went off in Kuta last night was very powerful and very likely professionally made," he said.

Apart from Brown who may have implied it, none of the senior politicians have so far expressed a belief that Australia may have been a special target. This has not stopped ordinary Australians from having that perception, if snippets of conversation in the streets are any indication. People seemed to believe that eventually the terrorists would attack Australia directly. "This time Australians holidaying overseas, next time Australians in Australia," some of them said.

In a big peace rally in Melbourne on Sunday, speakers reacted to the news by emphasizing again, the need for Australia to seek peaceful and diplomatic solutions instead of toeing the U.S. line on its policy toward Iraq.

Confusion still reigns at present, with holiday-makers arriving home at the airports distraught and shocked, some having heard, even seen their friends and loved ones killed or seriously injured. The next few days may see perceptions and attitudes forming, which may or may not affect the relationship between Australia and Indonesia.