From Network 10 and LiSTNR, comes Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings, a six-part podcast series hosted by 10 News First Senior Journalist Ali Donaldson, exploring the lives of people in Australia and Bali impacted by the Bali Bombings, 20 years on.
On the night of 12 October 2002, two bombs exploded, ripping through busy Bali nightspots the Sari Club and Paddy’s Bar, in the popular tourist district of Kuta, ultimately killing 202 people.
Of the 202 people killed, 88 were Australian. It was our worst peacetime atrocity.
On the eve of the 20th anniversary, Ali talks to those who were on ground, including one of the youngest Australian survivors, the heroes who risked their lives to save others, and the medical professionals who faced their biggest emergency in years, discovering where that tragic moment has taken them, two decades on.
She also talks to the local Indonesian community. Thirty-eight Indonesian people died and hundreds were injured in the blasts. We hear from local hospital workers, a waitress working in the Sari Club, and a woman who lost her husband and has found forgiveness in a most unexpected way.
Ali said: “I was sent to Bali 20 years ago to cover the bombings for 10 News and was struck by the incredible acts of humanity in the face of such horror. I’ve stayed in touch with people and this year spoke extensively to some of the survivors, investigators and medics.
“Revealing never before heard details from those that were there, these are stories of the deepest despair but equally incredible hope and humanity. All have experienced amazing twists in their lives and what they’ve learned I think could help many others struggling with life’s challenges.”
Ali has a long association with the Bali Bombings, having been one of the first Australian journalists to fly to the scene when the devasting news broke. She has revisited the site many times in the two decades since the blasts, and has formed strong and lasting relationships with the families of some of the Australian victims and some of the survivors.
Today, many of the survivors also have incredibly uplifting stories to tell. This podcast reveals the astounding journeys that tragic event has taken them on, both emotionally and physically. How they survived the unthinkable, and how the things they learned can and are still are helping to save lives today.
Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings is available now with new episodes dropping every Thursday, on 10 Play and LiSTNR, or your favourite podcast app.
Shockwaves: The Bali Bombings.
Available Now On 10 Play.
