Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

4 min read | 14:00 pm CAT

Senior Research Fellow at Institute for Global Dialogue, Sanusha Naidu, speaks to Radio Islam International on the developments in the Asia Pacific.

This week marks the 20th anniversary of the Bali bombing. One of the most extensive bombings that Indonesia has seen, leaving 202 people killed in the attacks.

The bombing was linked to a local group, and the victims and fatalities included citizens of 21 countries.  

A memorial service was held on the Island on Wednesday, and a documentary was made.

Naidu said the documentary shows the carnage that happened due to the bombing, but not many were happy about it as it was very graphic and believed to have been done in bad faith. Questions have also been raised on whether or not the correct consent had been given for the documentary to be made.

South Korea turn away yachts from Russians who are fleeing the war.

According to Naidu, South Korea is an essential ally of the West regarding its relationship with the US. The EU has decided not to allow the luxurious yachts to dock in their waters.

She said the issue has now raised questions about how countries are beginning to utilise sanctions. As part of the sanctions, there is a dynamic around turning away people trying to seek asylum and flee the war.

However, reports released suggest that countries are still purchasing oil from Russia. This raises the question of whether the sanctions are applied in uniform or double standard.

Meanwhile, devastated families in northeastern Thailand gathered on Tuesday for the cremation of their loved ones who were killed in a massacre at a nursery that claimed the lives of 36 people, 24 of them children.

Thailand was shaken by the tragedy at the day-care centre in the Uthai Sawan area Na Klang district in Nong Bua Lamphu province last week. It was the worst mass shooting by the sole perpetrator in history.

Naidu said the attack demonstrates the violence beginning to see across the globe where people still don’t know why the horrendous and disturbing attack occurred.

Listen below to the Asia Pacific Report with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat and Sanusha Naidu on Radio Islam’s podcast.