Benito Lopulalan, Jimbaran – Survivors and relatives of the 20 people killed in suicide bombings on Indonesia's Bali one year ago held a sombre memorial Sunday amid stepped-up security on the resort island.
Some 120 people gathered to mark the one-year anniversary of the coordinated attacks by Islamic militants on three eateries in Kuta, the main tourist strip, and Jimbaran, a quiet bay dotted with beachside seafood restaurants.
Fifteen Indonesians, four Australians and one Japanese national were killed in the bloody attacks aimed at "America and its allies", according to documents left behind by the three bombers.
The memorial ceremony was held at Jimbaran, about 150 metres (yards) from the site of one of the attacks.
"We came together this morning to mourn, but many of us also will be remembering the life stories and aspirations of each person affected by these attacks," Australian Ambassador Bill Farmer told the gathering.
He said that despite the attacks last year and the bombings in 2002, which left 202 people dead, terrorism had failed to dampen the spirit of the Indonesian people.
"In this we can be certain. The attempts of terrorists to spread disorder and dismay, to drive people, faith and neighbours apart, and to attack the aspirations of Indonesia for democracy and a prosperous future, failed," he said.
Badung district chief Anak Agung Gede Agung, addressing the same ceremony, said the bombings had devastated Bali's tourism industry, the main income earner for the Hindu-majority island. "With the assistance of various sides, we are attempting to recover once again," Agung said.
As a relative of one victim spoke, tears began to fall among those gathered in Jimbaran. Jatmiko, who lost his mother and nephew in the attacks, said in a halting and emotional speech that it had been a very difficult time for survivors and their families.
"But we are here today not to remember how they died, but how they lived, how they presented beautiful memories and love to our lives to enable us to carry on with our journey," he said.
At least five floral wreaths were laid at the site, each marked with the name of the donating country – Australia, Indonesia, Japan, Denmark and Norway.
Families of the victims then spread flower petals along the ocean's edge before heading by foot to one of the blast sites, where they laid bouquets and held brief prayers.
After the gathering dispersed, the owners and staff of the two cafes hit by the bombs made their own procession to the sea, leaving a one-metre wide path of flower petals to the sea in their wake.
Three truckloads of police stood on guard nearby. Security was boosted around the island on Saturday ahead of the commemorations.
In Australia, Prime Minister John Howard paid tribute to the victims.
"Today we will pause to remember with sadness, the Australians who lost their lives in these bombings, as well as the Australians who were maimed and injured," Howard said in a statement.
"The citizens of Indonesia and other nations who lost their lives or were injured in the bombings will also be in our thoughts today."
Hundreds of mourners gathered in the New South Wales city of Newcastle, the hometown of three of the four Australian victims.
Four people have been given long jail terms for their involvement in last year's attacks but Malaysian terror operative Noordin Mohammad Top, believed to be the mastermind behind the bombings, remains on the run.