Former Prime Minister John Howard says he felt a sense of 'horror' when hearing the news of the Bali bombings, as he reflected on the events which saw 202 people including 88 Australians killed in the 2002 terrorist attack.
Horror, was his gut reaction.
But when the phone rang, breaking the news of the Bali bombings, John Howard says his focus was firmly on what needed to be done.
It's ten years since terror struck in the heart of one of Australia's favourite playgrounds.
And Prime Minister at the time, John Howard, says it's a moment and a time he'll never forget.
"It was a terrible loss of life, the largest in a non-wartime incident outside Australia, it wiped out a cross-section of people, they were doing the most innocent thing - having a good time," he recalls.
Mr Howard will attend commemorative services taking place in Bali, along with Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Opposition Leader Tony Abbott.
Speaking to 702 Mornings John Howard describes receiving the news of the bombing.
"My gut reaction was one of horror, but a determination to think calmly and do what was necessary to get the best possible response.
"That meant making sure there was immediate contact at the highest level with Indonesia - I rang President Megawati... and at that time, relations between Australia and Indonesia were strained... but she responded in a positive fashion," he says.
It was a time when all Australians wanted answers, but Mr Howard says his focus was on the victims and their families.
"It's very important at a time like this if you're a Prime Minister, and you've got your arms around somebody who's just lost a son or a daughter, to forget everything else and listen to what they're saying, because otherwise in a sense you're only adding to their grief," he says.
Edited By Cen Fox Post Team
Posted in: 11th October 2012, Bali, John Howard, World News
