The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) has recommended HSC graduates should reconsider their need to travel to the popular island following the execution of the Bali bombers earlier this week.

A number of Shoalhaven year 12 students have organised at least a week’s holiday in Bali to celebrate finishing school but local principals are encouraging students to cancel their bookings.

“We are aware that many young Australian school graduates may be travelling to Bali in mid to late November and early December. We urge these young Australians and their parents, like other Australians, to exercise heightened caution at this time,” states the DFAT travel advice website, www.smartraveller.gov.au.

Local principals have told students to heed the Federal Government’s warnings.

“If students are going I would advise them to pay close attention to the Federal Government’s travel warnings in relation to travelling to Indonesia and Bali particularly,” Nowra High School principal Wayne Pryce said.

“There is very clear advice on the DFAT website. I think students and parents should make themselves aware of the situation before making final decisions on whether they will spend schoolies in Bali.”

DFAT warns travellers in Bali to stay away from places known to be terrorist targets such as international hotels, nightclubs, sports venues, restaurants, cinemas and places of worship.

On October 12, 2002 the Sari nightclub was bombed killing 202 people including 88 Australians.

The men behind the terrorist attack, Amrozi, Mukhlas and Imam Samudram, were executed for the crime on Sunday.

The Federal Government is extremely concerned retaliation attacks could occur following the convicted terrorists’ deaths.

Bomaderry High School principal Jill Appleton warned students not to spend schoolies in Bali this year.

“Celebrating finishing school in Bali would be a very dangerous decision,” Mrs Appleton said.

She said there were many places in Australia where local students could let their hair down without fear of terrorist attacks.

“I would hate to think that any local students would make a very unwise decision about how they celebrate their schoolies week wherever that may be held.

“The students need to remember to celebrate in a safe way.”

The Federal Government recommends people travelling to Bali register their travel plans at www.smartraveller.gov.au, so they can be located quickly if an emergency does arise.