Security tightened before commemoration

Ni Komang Erviani ,  Contributor, Badung   |  Sat, 09/06/2008 11:27 AM  |  Bali

Security at cafes along Kedonganan Beach, Badung, has been intensified ahead of the commemoration next month of the deadly 2002 and 2005 bombing attacks, which killed many foreign tourists.

A larger number of civilian security officers have been deployed at seven entrance gates to the beach, which is located two kilometers from Jimbaran where the second bomb attacks took place.

The first Bali bombings targeted Paddys Pub and Sari Club on Jl. Legian, Kuta, killing at least 202 people. The second targeted cafes in Jimbaran, with more than 20 killed.

Kedonganan Beach Tourism Management Agency head I Wayan Mertha on Wednesday said security was being stepped up at 24 cafes in Kedonganan starting early September.

A guarantee of security, Mertha said, was needed as an average of between 1,500 and 3,000 tourists flocked to Kedonganan Beach per month.

"We realize that security is increasingly important due to the rising number of visitors here," he said.

Eighteen personnel, according to Mertha, have thus far been deployed at strategic locations. The number, however, was still far from adequate as ideally there were 31 of them, he admitted.

"But due to financial constraints, we are only able to deploy 18 people at present," he said.

Despite the limited number of personnel, security improvement efforts at Kedonganan Beach have been considered enough, Mertha said.

The beach's management has involved the participation of all related parties, including cafe owners, who employ over 720 workers, as well as 60 singing beggars and local residents.

"All parties are obliged to help maintain security by reporting any suspicious activities," he said.

One of the cafe owners, I Ketut Madra, explained that security had become a priority in maintaining convenience for the visitors. But all measures are not conducted openly, so as not to discourage tourists.

"We intensify our vigilance without necessarily causing any hindrance to the visitors," Madra said.

Kedonganan Beach is increasingly becoming a favorite place for both domestic and foreign tourists to enjoy a wide variety of seafood. Sale turnover in the area is projected to reach Rp 200 million (US$22,200) per month.

Scottish tourist Frank said he did not worry about security to Kedonganan at all. Frank, who visited the beach with his wife Elena, explained that visiting Bali had become his dream for a long time.

"I don't worry about terrorist attacks. If I did worry, I would not come here," he said.

Another tourist, Miho Shibata from Japan, said he was confident there would be no more terrorist attacks in Bali. "I'm optimistic there will be no more attacks here. We just want to enjoy our vacation," he said.

"I hope there will be no more people attacking other human beings," he added.

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