In a significant step towards healing and global peace, the Badung Regency Government has confirmed plans to build the Bali Peace Park Museum on the site of the former Sari Club in Kuta, where the 2002 Bali Bombings tragically occurred. The land, previously occupied by small market traders, was acquired in December 2024 to create a memorial that will honor the victims of the attack while promoting values of peace, tolerance, and unity.
Badung Regency Government has confirmed plans to build the Bali Peace Park Museum on the site of the former Sari Club in Kuta, where the 2002 Bali Bombings tragically occurred.
A Beacon of Peace
The 0.15-hectare site, located in the heart of Kuta, is set to become a symbol of reflection and a beacon for global peace efforts. The government has invested a substantial amount in securing the land, signaling a commitment to ensuring that the memory of those lost in the bombing lives on while also fostering a spirit of unity among different cultures and backgrounds.
The Bali Peace Park Museum aims to serve as more than just a memorial; it is envisioned as a place where visitors can learn about the tragic events of the 2002 Bali Bombings while engaging in activities that emphasize human dignity and peace. The museum will not only commemorate the lives lost but will actively promote peace and tolerance in society. With the planning stages underway, the detailed engineering design of the museum is expected to be finalized soon, with construction slated to begin in 2026.
Educative Purpose
The Bali Peace Park Museum will be funded through the regional budget of Badung Regency and is expected to become both an educational facility and a symbol of peace. The museum will feature important documents and artifacts related to the Bali Bombings, offering visitors a chance to understand the scope and impact of the tragedy. It is also expected to become a key attraction for visitors from around the world, drawing those who wish to pay their respects and learn about the incident’s broader significance.
The Bali Bombings remain one of the most horrific terror attacks in Indonesia's history. On October 12, 2002, a devastating bomb explosion outside the Sari Club in Kuta, along with another blast at Paddy's Pub, killed 202 people, including 88 Australian tourists. The bombings also claimed the lives of 38 Indonesians and 23 individuals from the United Kingdom, while 209 others were severely injured. This event, etched in the memories of the Balinese people, shocked not only Indonesia but the world.
In the aftermath of the attack, a memorial was erected at Ground Zero, in the vicinity of the former Sari Club, to honor the victims. The memorial, which stands as a solemn tribute to those lost, includes the names of all those who perished in the bombing. Each year, on the anniversary of the attack, the site becomes a gathering point for people from around the world who wish to remember the victims and reflect on the importance of peace.
A Solemn Remembrance
The new Bali Peace Park Museum, however, will take the commemorative efforts a step further. Designed as a tranquil greenspace, the museum will offer a peaceful environment where people from diverse nations, ethnicities, and religions can come together. The vision is to create a space where visitors can find solace and reflect on the importance of unity and understanding, even in the face of such a devastating event.
The museum will also encourage dialogue and education around the themes of tolerance and coexistence. It is envisioned that visitors will leave the museum not only with a greater understanding of the bombing's history but also with a renewed sense of commitment to promoting peace in their own communities. The Bali Peace Park Museum, while deeply rooted in the tragedy of the 2002 bombings, will serve as a beacon of hope for future generations, teaching them about the value of empathy, kindness, and mutual respect.
The Bali Peace Park Museum is part of a larger movement to promote peace and harmony across the globe. The initiative is also a testament to the resilience of the Balinese people and their commitment to turning a painful chapter of history into an opportunity for healing and reconciliation. For more details on the design and concept of the park, you can explore the Bali Peace Park's official design page.
