The bomb attack in Bali will certainly raise emotions among students all over the UK many of whom may have been to Indonesia in gap year travels or on summer breaks.

The 17,000 islands making up Indonesia have for many years been popular with backpackers, Bali often being the last stop before a flight to Darwin and a visit to Australia.

Indonesia has been troubled by religious tension for a number of years, a point often glossed over by tour companies and ignored by those visiting the more glamorous ‘holiday’ Islands - of which Bali is one. This terrible incident, which caused the deaths of nearly two hundred people has highlighted how complicated and often violent the situation has become. The 216 million people in Indonesia form over 500 ethnic groups spread across the vast archipelago where religious unrest is rife.

Two years ago I travelled in Indonesia where I visited a small paradise Island called Pulau Wey. To get there I bussed through Aceh, the northern province of Sumatra where rebel groups are fighting for independence from central government. We were warned against taking an overnight bus as there had been a number of terrorist attacks, better to wait a day or two for the ferry up the coast. Being in a hurry I took the bus and had a safe and enjoyable journey, though I did see a large number of troops moving about, heavily armed checkpoints and anxious local residents. Like many other visitors to the region the troubles I had seen were all to easily forgotten once on the beach among other westerners.

I think it’s important for backpackers to look beyond the cafes and bars that line the beaches when travelling abroad. The internal difficulties that many countries are dealing with make up part of the national identity and as such should not be overlooked. A better understanding of the areas we visit will make us better informed, and more considerate guests, and the world will be better off for it.

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