Bali News

Whilst the terror strike in Jakarta did not bring significant negative impact to Bali tourism, alertness has to be maintained. Terror attack can happen in Bali at anytime unless every stakeholders, not only the police but also all people, failed to remain in full alert.

Chairman of Crime Prevention Institute (LCKI), Nyoman Gede Suweta reminded that potential terrorist attack remains significant. The retired police general said that the terrorists are keeping their eyes open to opportunities. Only one day prior the latest incident in Jakarta, Suweta actually warned about potential terror attack in local media. At that time he reminded every component of Bali community to remain alerted in every potential threat against security, incuding terror attack.

No matter of how good the tourism offering we have, it is useless without security. “Security aspect is very strategic in the future of tourism and economy alike. It is very much related to the image of tourism destination”, he said. Observing the escalation since 2002 he believed that it is the right time for companies, especially those in tourism industry, to put security at the high priority. “Do not consider security as a cost, it is an investment”, he said.

Whilst he admitted that special security equipments such as metal detector and x-ray is rather expensive, their presence is essential to make hotel guests feels secure and comfortable. He also pointed to the importance of training for security guards to maintain their hospitality on duty.

In a different occasion the Chairman of Badung Chapter of Tourism Labor Federation (FSP-Par), Putu Satyawira reminded all of its member to become an integral part of security management in their hotel. Every hotel employee has to take an active part in keeping security. “Security is not only the responsibility of security guards, everybody has to remain allert and report anything suspicious. Uncoutious by thinking that security is someone else’s job has to be avioded. If bom blasts, everybody suffers”, he said.