Chief reduced to tears as traumatised islanders count their losses

Kuta's village chief had gathered with his counterparts from Legian and Seminyak to express his condolences to the bombing victims. He began by stressing the need for cool heads, but ended in tears, overcome by the enormity of Bali's tragedy.

The moment was a dramatic one as the island's exhausted and traumatised people count their dead and wonder how such wounds can ever be healed.

'We have been shocked by an act which is beyond our imagination,' chief I Made Wendra said, adding that there was a need for cool heads and 'purified emotions'. He also called for a consistent focus on justice, peace and unity.

'We take this opportunity to express our sincere apologies to the international community and those countries whose citizens are victims of this tragedy . . . The suffering of the victims and their families has made us all one and their spirit has united people from all over the world,' he said, before beginning to weep.

An anthropologist living in Bali said Mr Wendra's response was unusual. 'I have seen people suppress the most intense emotions here. It is usually seen as a sign of weakness to let go.'

Legian village chief I Wayan Widana had to take over, continuing to read the statement.

Before the press conference was cut short, the village chiefs also announced plans for three traditional ceremonies to be held in conjunction with the full moon on Sunday or Monday: the Guru Piduka, which is a request for forgiveness; the Gendu Piduka, a plea for the chance of a better life; and the Pecaruan Pemarisuda Leboning Amuk, a purification ritual and prayer for blessings of the population.