Bali blasts may spark off Hindu-Muslim clashes

‘‘This will cause religious clashes,’’ said Swarna, offering an ominous prediction that has suddenly become common here. ‘‘We will sweep them out of Bali and make them go back to their homes so that Bali will be safe.’’

Bali has been a Hindu enclave surrounded by Muslim islands for 500 years, ever since the collapse of the Hindu Majapahit kingdom that ruled much of what is Indonesia today. In recent years, however, Muslims from other parts of Indonesia have been moving to Bali as labourers and small traders. Muslims in Bali are starting to feel at risk. ‘‘I’m afraid,’’ said Chairil Anwar, 30, a Muslim born in Bali.

In the last four years, religious conflicts between Muslims and Christians have erupted in several Indonesian areas. Bali has remained immune to such turmoil. But now tensions are rising.

Since the attack, traditional Hindu guards have been making the rounds of Muslim neighbourhoods. And Hindu communities have been convening traditional councils to discuss the blasts. (LATWP)