Japan urges Bali authority to protect its citizens

DENPASAR: The Japanese government has strongly urged the Bali police and authorities to protect Japanese residents living and holidaying on the island.

Deputy Director General of Japan's Foreign Affairs Ministry Yamamoto was speaking during his meeting with Bali Police Chief Insp. Gen Sutisna at the police headquarters here in Denpasar.

"We expected that there will be many more crimes affecting our citizens here. I hope the Bali Police can protect our people living and spending holidays in Bali," Yamamoto said.

In the last few months, Bali was shocked with the murders of two Japanese women Rika Kasano and Hiromi Shimada. Instances of violence, including rape and theft also affect Japanese tourists.

Yamamoto said there are 2,000 Japanese nationals living in Bali and approximately 350,000 Japanese tourists visit the island every year. - JP