THE deadly Islamic State attacks in Indonesia are merely a precursor for what’s to come in the world’s most populous Muslim nation.
Our closest northern neighbour is preparing for further terror attacks in the capital as well as the tourist hotspot, Bali.
Just as we did after the 2002 Bali bombings that killed 202 people and seriously injured hundreds more, Australians must consider carefully whether that bargain beach getaway is a good idea in the current climate.
We all love a luxury break in the sun, even more so when it costs a pittance by Australian standards, but if you’ve listened to the experts in recent days, then you may be reassessing whether cheap cocktails and massages on the beach are worth the risk.
It was clear that the Islamists who launched last week’s Jakarta terror strikes were focused on slaughtering as many foreigners as possible. They struck in a Starbucks in a busy business and shopping district, an area surrounded by embassies. Another Paris-style massacre was the plan but Indonesian authorities were aware of an imminent threat. Good planning and luck ensured the death toll was kept to a minimum.
Two civilians, a Canadian and an Indonesian, were killed and about 20 people were injured including an Austrian, German, Dutchman and Algerian.
Source : Herald Sun