Bali bomb 'a crime against humanity', PM tells memorial service

12.15pm

Indiscriminate attacks like the Bali bombings were crimes against humanity, Prime Minister Helen Clark told a memorial service for the victims at Wellington's St Paul's cathedral today.

The service for the 184 people -- including three New Zealanders -- killed in the Kuta Beach blasts on October 12 came as Indonesian police arrested two men suspected of carrying out the attacks.

One man was picked up on the island of Sumatra on Monday. A second man was detained in the capital, Jakarta yesterday, national police chief General Da'i Bachtiar said today.

General Bachtiar said the men resembled two of three suspects depicted in composite sketches based on witnesses' accounts.

Miss Clark told the public service the attacks held human life itself in contempt.

"In open tolerant, and inclusive societies like ours, we find it hard to comprehend the hatred which fuels such acts," she said.

"That is why in the 21st century, New Zealand will step forward to be counted as a nation which stands against terrorism, just as in the 20th century we stepped forward to be counted against fascism and totalitarianism."

Miss Clark expressed sympathy to those who had lost loved ones or suffered in the nightclub bombing, especially to the families of the three New Zealanders killed.

"To the families of Mark Parker, Jared Gane, and Jamie Wellington who are with us today, we know you have suffered as no family should ever have to suffer.

"We know no words are adequate to express our sadness at what has happened... Let the inspiration of their lives give us all strength and let us resolve to play our part in building a world which does not inflict these tragedies on our fellow human beings and communities."

Miss Clark wished the injured New Zealanders, some of whom were still in hospital, a quick recovery.

She said New Zealanders felt for all involved.

"The hearts of New Zealanders have reached out to all those who suffered and to their families, especially to the loved ones of those who will never come home.

Miss Clark said terrifying memories would stay with those who had been involved in bombing for the rest of their lives.

"The attack on Bali on October 12 was on young and wholly innocent holiday-makers. It was also on a beautiful land whose people are famous for their hospitality and friendliness," she said.

Miss Clark recognised the havoc caused on families of Indonesians and Australians as well as the New Zealanders by the killings and injuries. She also expressed sympathy to Britain.

"Far too many families have lost a husband or wife, son or daughter, grandchild other relative or friend.

"Yet what this evil could not destroy was the dignity and courage of those who survived, some for only tragically short moments after the attack.

"It can never -- and will never -- eclipse the achievements, the laughter and the joy of the lives which had been lived up until that point.

Miss Clark said because of New Zealand's historic bond with Australia it had felt its loss as if it was its own.

Among the 400-strong congregation were school children and MPs including United Party leader Peter Dunne, Deputy Prime Minister Michael Cullen and Foreign Affairs Minister Phil Goff.

United States Ambassador Charles Swindells attended and Australian High Commissioner Robert Cotton, British High Commissioner Richard Fell and Indonesian Embassy charge d'affairs Bambang Hiendrasto gave readings.

Among prayers at the service, a Javanese prayer was sung.

Dame Silvia paid a tribute.

A sobbing Australian woman, who declined to be named, said she attended the service because she felt it was important to show solidarity in the face of such evil.

"I think it's the most awful thing -- terrorism -- happening around the world," she said.

"We all need to stand up to terrorism and evil in the world."

She said Australians felt deep sadness and anger over what had happened.

Mark Parker's great aunt Olga Thomas, of Lower Hutt, said the service was very moving and that the Parker family was coping as best it could.

"The last three weeks have been pretty traumatic for them. I think they will be pleased when it's all over."

- NZPA

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