InterContinental Bali Resort was recently honoured to welcome his Excellency, Ms. Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia, along with a delegation of senior politicians and support colleagues. This VIP group included former Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard, together with Mr. Tony Abbott as the Opposition Leader from the Australian Liberal Party.

The delegation was in Bali to attend an official ceremony held on the 12th of October 2012 to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Bali Bombing. This devastating act of terrorism took place in central Kuta killing 202 people, including 88 Australian holidaymakers, and destroyed the lives of many and left a permanent scar on the island’s tourism industry.

The morning ceremony took place at the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park amidst tight security. It was attended by government representatives from Indonesia and Australia as well the families of victims and some very fortunate survivors. The event was an opportunity for everyone to reflect on the memory of this tragic incident.

“It was indeed a great pleasure to host his Excellency, Ms. Julia Gillard, Prime Minister of Australia , former Prime Minister, Mr. John Howard and Mr. Tony Abbott during their stay in Bali. We hope that the island of the gods remains a peaceful destination and continues to be a melting pot for travellers from around the world” commented Mr. Stephane Duchenne, Resort Manager of InterContinental Bali Resort.