Nearly 24 years after the Bali Bombing attacks of October 2002, Bali has confirmed that a new museum will be opened on the land where the attack took place. The Bali Bombings killed 202 people, including 88 Australian nationals.
The Regent of Badung, Wayan Adi Arnawa, has received a visit from the Australian Consul General, Jo Stevens. The pair met to discuss the special relationship between Australia and Bali, as well as to explore ways to strengthen ongoing cooperation and to plan the Peace Museum on the land where the Sari Club once stood, in the heart of Kuta.
The meeting was also attended by Australian Public Diplomacy Consul Lachlan Norton, Head of the Badung Regency Cultural Service I Gde Eka Sudarwitha, and Acting Head of the Badung PUPR Service I Nyoman R Karyasa. Plans to establish the Bali Peace Museum have been in the works for years, though the first concrete steps to building the museum were made in early 2025.
One year on, and there are hopes that the Bali Peace Museum could be opened by the end of 2026. Regent Arnawa, who oversees top tourism resorts in Bali, including Kuta, Legian, and Seminyak, told the meeting, “This museum is designed as a memorial space to commemorate the event as well as a symbol of peace and respect for the victims of the humanitarian tragedy.”
He added, “The Badung Regency Government has allocated a budget for the museum’s construction in 2026 as a form of real commitment.” The Regent noted that the Bali Peace Museum will serve as an opportunity to become a destination for education, as well as commemorate the lives lost in the attack, and honour all those who still live with the lifelong impacts of the events of 12th October 2002.
Consul General Stevens shared, “We are grateful and fully support the construction of the museum as a symbol of friendship and a reflection of history.”
The Acting Head of the Badung Public Works and Public Housing Agency, I Nyoman R. Karyasa, noted that the Bali Peace Museum will be founded on the Balinese principle of ‘Samsara’ of birth, life, and death. The museum will be built on 15 acres of land, within steps of the Bali Bombing Memorial.
Back in January 2025, it was confirmed by the Head of the Badung Regency Culture Office, Gede Eka Sudarwitha, that the 15 acres of land that were previously the Sari Club had been successfully purchased by the regency government for IDR 60 billion.
Speaking at the time, Sudariwtha explained, “This is in accordance with the Badung Regency Government’s policy. This museum will not only be a space for reflection but also a symbol of peace.”
The Sari Club Site: The museum will be constructed on the specific land where the attack took place.
The Regency Government successfully purchased this 15-acre plot for IDR 60 billion to ensure it remains a place of memory rather than commercial development.
Philosophy: The design is rooted in the Balinese Hindu principle of Samsara (birth, life, and death).
It is designed not just as a memorial for the 202 victims, but as a center for education and a global beacon for peace and reconciliation.
A Joint Effort: With 88 Australians losing their lives in the 2002 attack, the project is a major point of cooperation.
The Australian Consul General has visited the Regent of Badung to fully support the construction as a “symbol of friendship.”
- Current Status: Detail Engineering Design (DED) underway.
- Construction Start: Budget allocated for 2026.
- Target Opening: Late 2026 or Early 2027.
He added, “Currently, we are in the process of Detail Engineering Design, which is expected to be completed this year. If all goes according to plan, physical construction will begin in 2026.”
Noting “Through this museum, we want to instill the importance of living side by side in peace, respecting differences.”
The project has been met with strong support from local political leaders, the local community, and international tourists. The Chairman of the Badung Regency DPRD, I Gusti Anom Gumanti, also gave his backing to the idea and shared his hopes that the Bali Peace Museum will become a global beacon for peace, humanity, and reconciliation.
Gumati shared, “This museum will store important documents of the Bali Bombing tragedy, as well as being a reminder to future generations to always maintain peace.” Concluding “With this museum, we want to ensure that the values of humanity and peace never fade.”
No set date has been revealed for the opening of the Bali Peace Museum, though the end of 2026 or early 2027 is the timeline leaders are alluding to. The Bali Bombing Memorial can be found on Jalan Legian, and is often referred to as the Sari Club Bombing Memorial or Ground Zero.
The memorial features the names of the 202 people who lost their lives in the attack, and every year on the 12th of October, hundreds of people gather to pray together during commemoration events.
Discover more from The Bali Sun
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.