God Bless America

(9/15/2001)

Cry, The Beloved Country

Bouquets of condolences continue to be sent to the United States Embassy in Jakarta and its consulates in Bali and Surabaya from local residents both saddened and outraged at the terrorist attacks launched on the Pentagon in Washington D.C. and New York's World Trade Center.

Presidential Condemnation

President Megawati Soekarnoputri lashed out at the terrorists labeling the attacks as "barbaric and criminal" and joined the call for international cooperation to fight terrorism.

In an official message of condolences sent to President George W. Bush, Indonesia's President said, "The Indonesian government condemns this brutal and indiscriminate attack that has resulted in a great number of victims among innocent people . . .we express our deepest condolences and sympathy to the U.S. government and its people, especially to the bereaved."

Presidential Trip to U.S.A. Still On

Latest reports are that President Megawati's planned visit to the United Nations in New York and Washington D.C., September 19-25, will operate as originally scheduled. Speculation was rife that the planned trip would be delayed in the wake of the U.S. tragedy.

Flight Disruptions Widespread

International air traffic between the United States and the Orient continued to suffer widespread disruptions. While some U.S. carriers slowly recommenced service on Thursday, September 13, foreign airline service still hung in limbo with the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority reviewing permission for foreign airlines to fly to the U.S.A. on a "flight-by-flight" basis. As a result, U.S. bound passengers on holiday might face anything up to a 7 day delay once their carrier recommences service and begins to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.

Continental Airlines, the only U.S. Carrier to fly to Bali saw its Guam flight recalled to Bali on Tuesday night, shortly after the explosions in the U.S.A.. That aircraft and its crew was stranded in Bali for 72 hours, finally departing Friday evening (14/9) after receiving formal F.A.A. approval.

Bali Remains Perfectly Peaceful

All tourism services and attractions in Bali continue to operate in a normal fashion.