Bombers' executions cast shadow over Indonesian tourist isle

KUTA, Indonesia, Sept 6, 2008 (AFP)

Security forces are on high alert but for tourists to Bali it is business as usual as Indonesia prepares to execute the three Islamists convicted over the 2002 bombings.

Local survivors and foreign visitors are united in their determination not to dwell on that October night when 202 people, mostly tourists including 88 Australians, were killed when bombs ripped through packed bars.

And the overwhelming feeling on this mainly Hindu island of temples, rice paddies and tropical beaches is that the government should not wait another day before executing the bombers by firing squad. "The execution will deliver a message that the government is serious about upholding the law and that will convince more people to come and visit," said tourist Paul Green, of Perth in Australia.

He said the imminent execution of the bombers, possibly in October after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, had not put him off visiting Bali for the first time.

Bombings "could happen in my home town in Australia at any time the terrorists want," he said.

"So it's almost pointless to avoid visiting such a beautiful place like Bali. I prefer not to join that kind of emotional roller coaster," he said.

Tourists ambling around the cafes and souvenir shops of Kuta, Bali's most famous beach, appeared unaware that the authorities have boosted security across the island as a precaution against reprisal attacks. Bali police spokesman A.S. Reniban said more intelligence agents and anti-terror squad officers had been deployed to the island.