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Bali should be free of terrorists: Officer
Terrorists and extremist groups have no place in Indonesia, and especially in Bali because foreign visitors judge the country’s ability to protect itself on security conditions on the tourism island, according to a high-ranking official
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errorists and extremist groups have no place in Indonesia, and especially in Bali because foreign visitors judge the country’s ability to protect itself on security conditions on the tourism island, according to a high-ranking official.
Bali Military Office chief Maj. Gen. Rachmat Budiyanto said the Army would work hand in hand with the police to fight terrorism.
“Do not let terrorism grow in our country. Fighting terrorism is the country’s first security priority,” he said during the commemoration of the 65th anniversary of the Indonesian Army in Puputan Badung Park, Denpasar, on Tuesday.
All members of the Army, the police and the local community must work together to eliminate all security threats, he said.
Bali is currently approaching the anniversaries of the two Bali Bombings, the first of which occurred in Kuta, Legian, in 2002, and the second in the Jimbaran area in October 2005.
The Bali police have deployed hundreds of personnel to safeguard the island’s entry points, including Ngurah Rai International Airport, Benoa Harbor, the Gilimanuk ferry port in Jembrana, West Bali, linking Bali and Java and the Padang Bai ferry port in Karangasem linking Bali with Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara.
The police have also secured smaller fishing ports across Bali that might be used as entry points by
terrorists.
“Bali is the country’s major tourist destination and therefore the island’s security must become the responsibility of all Indonesian people,” he added.
Fighting terrorism must start in the neighborhood involving local security guards and local residents, he added.
The 65th anniversary of the Army drew thousands of spectators who were mesmerized by a series of spectacular Balinese art performances. A huge red-and-white flag measuring 120 by 80 meters was hoisted at Puputan Park.
High school and university students took part in the ceremony. A theatrical performance titled Merah Putih Jamrud Khatulistiwa (The Red and White The Gem of The Archipelago), was beautifully performed by students of the Indonesian Arts Institute in Denpasar.
