2005 Bali Bombings Trials Assistance

The trials of those suspected of involvement in the bombings on 1 October 2005 in Bali began in Indonesia on 9 May 2006. The trials and resulting publicity could be a difficult time for survivors, families, witnesses and others dealing with the aftermath of the 2005 Bali tragedy.

Information about the trials

The Australian Federal Police has provided written information about the trial process and arrangements and will provide a weekly summary of media reports. This information can be accessed in hard copy from Centrelink.

If you are considering attending the trials in Bali, you should be aware that:

  • The trials will be conducted over several months.
  • The hearings are conducted in Indonesian, with no provision for translation.
  • The courtrooms have limited observer capacity and access is negotiated on a daily basis.
  • There may be considerable media attention, which involves those attending as observers.
  • The Indonesian National Police will be responsible for security at the courts. Security remains a global concern.

To discuss the current status of the investigation or issues relating to the trial process, please contact your nominated AFP Family Investigations Liaison Officer or the Family Investigations Liaison Coordination Team in Australia on 02 6275 7756 or 0417 170 703.

Information about safety of travel

In deciding whether or not to travel to Bali for the trial we recommend that you consult the travel advice for Indonesia issued by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). DFAT produces travel advisories to help ensure that Australians are well informed and well prepared for travel overseas. The travel advisories provide up-to-date information about the security environment in a particular country, including in relation to possible terrorist threats or problems with law and order. Travel advisories are updated regularly.

The travel advice for Indonesia currently recommends that you reconsider your need to travel to Indonesia, including Bali, at this time due to the very high threat of terrorist attack.

You can access or subscribe to the travel advice through the DFAT website at smartraveller.gov.au. Alternatively, you may contact the Department on 1300 139 281 for the latest advice. If you decide to travel to Bali, you should continue to monitor the travel advice during your time there or contact the Australian Consulate General on 241 118 to speak to a consular officer.

All travellers are strongly encouraged to register their travel details with DFAT using the on-line registration service at smartraveller.gov.au or by phoning the Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135.

The registration information will help to locate people in an emergency. The information provided is strictly protected by the Privacy Act 1988.

The need for travel insurance

Each year the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade deals with over 20,000 cases of Australians in difficulty overseas. Unfortunately, not all of these cases involve travellers covered by travel insurance. Travellers, who are not covered by travel insurance, are personally liable for covering medical and associated costs.

The DFAT website smartraveller.gov.au includes a page headed “Why all Australians should take out travel insurance before going overseas”. You are encouraged to familiarise yourself with this information. Travel insurance is recommended and reimbursed for up to seven (7) nights for those persons eligible to receive Australian Government assistance to travel to part of the trials in Bali.

Australian Government assistance available for travel to part of the trials

The Prime Minister has approved assistance for immediate adult family members of deceased Australians and for those seriously injured in the disaster, to attend part of the trials, if they wish to do so. Specifically:

Travel – Centrelink will book one return economy airfare and direct connecting flight(s) to the person’s place of residence, per eligible person. Exceptions to this arrangement will only be made where approval is given PRIOR to travel.

Accommodation and daily living costs – flat rate of $300 per adult per night for up to seven (7) nights only. This is intended to assist with accommodation, meals and incidental expenses such as taxi fares, phone calls. Any travel insurance costs for up to 7 nights may be reimbursed.

To be eligible to receive assistance, the applicants must:

  • be an Australian citizen, a New Zealand citizen residing in Australia, or a citizen of another country who is residing in Australia and has a permanent resident visa.

For travel, accommodation and related costs the following people may be eligible to receive assistance for one trip to attend part of the trials:

  • up to two immediate adult family members of each Australian who died as a result of the 1 October 2005 Bali Bombings, this includes parents, siblings, grandparents, partners and adult children who are over the age of 16 years
  • Australians who were seriously injured in the 1 October 2005 Bali Bombings (for example those who were hospitalised for at least 48 hours or who suffered severe psychological trauma), and one support person (immediate adult family member or a carer for medical reasons if the person has special needs)
  • Australians who the Australian Federal Police (AFP) advise may need to be called as witnesses at the 1 October 2005 Bali Bombing trials and where costs are not covered by the Indonesian Government, and one support person (immediate adult family member or a carer for medical reasons if the person has special needs).

To discuss your situation or seek further clarification or advice about accessing the above benefits, contact your Centrelink Family Liaison Officer or Centrelink directly on 18 02 29.

Please note that:

  • Your claim MUST be lodged and APPROVED BEFORE you travel. Claims will not be accepted once the trials have concluded.
  • Children under 16 years of age will not be assisted to attend the trials in Bali. The court may refuse entry to children under 16 years of age.

Personal support needs

If additional personal support is required for you or your family during the trials, contact your nominated Centrelink Family Liaison Officer, or contact Centrelink on 18 02 29.

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