T

here has been, and sadly continues to be, Bali bashing by international media. Anything that does not fit into the paradise image of Bali is immediately seized upon and highlighted. Even legitimate drug busts by the Bali Police appear to attract an unending stream of abuse, misinformation and sanctimonious comments by those that base their views on Chinese whispers.

It is easy to pontificate on the drawbacks of Indonesian law, the omissions and commissions of the Bali Police and the perceived corruption within the system. No one can deny that there exists some truth in all this (thanks to the KPK). However, the question needs to be asked: Why do people continue to smuggle or buy drugs in Bali when the death penalty prevails here?

Some attribute this growing phenomenon to:

International drug cartels: Example — Timothy Geoffrey Lee, 44, arrested by the Indonesian Police on a request received from the NSW Police after they had busted a European drug syndicate importing ecstasy into Australia (street value US$30 million).

Family Businesses: The Corbys? Individuals: Michael Sacatides, 43, caught with 1.7 kilograms of methamphetamine. Others claim it is merely a demand-and-supply chain like prostitution, fueled by la dolce vita, the good life.

But is this true? Does tourism generate a need for drugs? And is Bali exclusive in its predicament? It is said that the three sisters: Bali, Goa and Ibiza are the playgrounds for jet setters and those seeking a temporary release from the pressures of work. Hence the devil-may-care attitude.

The only difference between the three is that Bali, Indonesia, imposes the death penalty. Even with the stakes so high there continues to be a constant flow of arrests — people from all walks of life attempt to smuggle drugs into Bali. The end result of these misadventures is an overflowing Kerobokan jail, harassed officials and damaged publicity.

The recently released book Hotel K by Kathryn Bonella rips apart the secure walls of Kerobokan jail and reveals the sordidness/wretchedness inside. A copy of this book should be kept in every hotel/villa room in Bali as essential reading for all tourists, and a warning. It is also a known fact that undesirable locals are selling drugs.

The continuing arrests and incarceration of these gentlemen is ample proof that the scourge has sunk deep into the system. If an overhaul of the system is to be undertaken then the first step should be to ease the pressure in overcrowded prisons and the resultant inhumane conditions, which includes drug trade within the precincts of the jail.

The present situation at Kerobokan jail is reflective of medieval times. Maybe it is time to bite the bullet and consider this option as the first step toward working on a lasting solution. All foreign inmates serving up to five years should be deported after payment of an amount in US dollars as a reimbursement to the Bali government for costs incurred by it.

All personal details along with a mug shot and drug offense/s or any other offense must be uploaded onto a special website for such felons so that everyone has access to the data.
Further, a written guarantee must be obtained from the country of the convict that the said convict cannot leave it for the duration of the balance unserved in Indonesia. Or, the convict serves their sentence in a jail in the home country.

As for Indonesian convicts, the same conditions should apply but payment can be made in rupiah supported by a written guarantee from the Banjar/local community heads that the convict has to do community service for the remainder of the unserved sentence.

Mark Ulyseas
Bali