THE SQUIZ
The family and friends of the victims of the 2002 Bali terror attack, along with survivors and first responders, will gather at Parliament House in Canberra and the Australian Consulate in Bali to commemorate the 20th anniversary today. Immediately after the attack, then-PM John Howard said Australians would “grapple inadequately and in despair to try and comprehend what has happened”. Now we’re 20 years on, Jason McCartney – a former North Melbourne footballer who was one of the most public faces of the tragedy after he received burns to more than half his body – said he hopes people can find comfort today. “Everyone’s a little bit different in what stage of grieving they are at around this, even though it is 20 years on … It’s just about being really caring and supporting,” he said.

BACK IT UP A BIT…
It was a raging Saturday night when 2 bombs went off in Kuta, one of Bali’s popular beach and resort areas. Just after 11pm, a suicide bomber detonated a bomb inside Paddy’s Bar, and a 2nd explosion followed across the road, caused by a homemade bomb in a vehicle parked outside the Sari Club. And about 10km away, another bomb placed in front of the US consulate in Denpasar was detonated remotely – it did minor damage. In total, 202 people were killed, including 88 Australians. South East Asian militant network Jemaah Islamiah – linked to al-Qaeda – was found to be behind it. Those involved later said they originally planned the attack for 11 September to mark the first anniversary of the terror attacks on the US, but the bombs were not ready in time. “Just to call it an act of terror just, I suppose, underplayed the absolute devastation, the brutal, savage devastation represented over the taking of so many young lives,” former PM Howard said earlier this week.

AND WHAT’S THE TALKING POINT TODAY?
Well, a couple of things. Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan, analysts have flagged concerns about the resurgence of extremism in Indonesia – the world’s most populous Muslim country. For their part, counterterrorism efforts remain high, with more than 2,300 people arrested since a specialised unit, known as Detachment 88, was established in the wake of the attacks. And the other point is the imminent release from prison of bomb maker Umar Patek. Sentenced to 20 years, he’s expected to be freed soon after serving 11. This week, Inspector General Marthinus Hukom, the boss of Detachment 88, said “we should not hold grudges”. PM Anthony Albanese has previously said his release would “add to the distress and trauma” suffered by those affected by the terror attack.

Need a refresher on the 2002 Bali bombings and how what happened on 12 October changed our relationship with Indonesia? Our latest Squiz Shortcut has you sorted.