Today the AFP releases the final episode in a documentary-style podcast series on the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombings that forever changed the lives of Australians and the Australian Federal Police.
Terrorism darkened Australia’s doorstep on the night of October 12, 2002, when 202 people, including 88 Australians, were killed in an unprovoked and targeted terrorist attack on the popular island resort of Bali. It was our biggest loss of life in post war Australia.
The AFP-produced podcast series – Operation Alliance: 2002 Bali Bombings – now released in full, is a tribute to the men and women of the AFP who responded to those terrible events in Bali. Some of our own were terribly injured by the blasts, while many more carry other scars.
Episode 4 – Closing The Circle – is a reflection of 20 years on from the shocking events on that evening in Jelan Legian at Paddy’s Bar and the Sari Club – favourite tourist hotspots of Australians.
When the terrorist bombs exploded in Bali, the spectre of terror was different. From the shadows of 9/11 the year before – Australians now understood just how close and real the prospect of a terrorist attack was. The October 2002 Bali bombings proved to be a major turning point for the AFP.
In this final episode, the men and women involved in Operation Alliance reflect on their lasting images of a history-defining period and how the AFP is working to help prevent the next phase in the evolution of terrorism.
For the AFP, the families of the victims and those who survived will never be forgotten; neither will the lessons learned from that time. These are lessons that have shaped the AFP into global leaders in counter terrorism, forensic science, disaster victim identification and family liaison.
The relationships the AFP has with our domestic partners and Indonesian authorities’ remains committed and steadfast in 2022 and those enduring partnerships continue to keep Australians safe today.
The foundations built 20 years ago by the AFP is a shared history with all Australians. Twenty years on – countless others continue to be the impacted by the ripple effects of the Bali bombings.
The AFP and the lives of many of our members changed after the Bali bombings. While the podcast pays tribute to Australia’s policing response, the AFP’s thoughts remain with the families who lost loved ones too soon.
What: Bali bombings 20th Anniversary photographic exhibition
When: 7 October to mid-November 2022, 10 am to 4 pm, every day
Where: Australian War Memorial entry corridor on the ground floor
Episode 4 – Closing The Circle is released today and is available on the and all major podcast platforms.
Episode Guide:
Episode 1: The Lights Went Out – out now
Episode 2: Looking For Clues – out now
Episode 3: Team Effort – out now
Episode 4: Closing The Circle – out now
