Security Concerns in Indonesia
Jan 3rd, 2007, 02:25 PM
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Security Concerns in Indonesia
I have noticed that there are several people posting messages that currently are living in Indonesia. I am scheduled to arrive in Bali this Saturday, arriving from the US. I have gone to several government websites warning of serious threats and suggesting of not visiting the Island. Do any of you recommend against making a visit to Bali, since I am a US citizen? I am scheduled to visit Lovina for 9 days and now I am concerned to go elsewhere on the Island for fear of kidnapping or running into some sort of terrorist activity. Insight from those living there would be greatly appreciated!!!
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:19 PM
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Donny, I am an American who has lived in Indonesia since 1995. The US State Department and several other foreign embassies started issuing warnings against travel to Indonesia in 1998 due to political turbulence. In the insuing years there have been three major terrorist attacks in Bali and in Jakarta resulting in even more severe travel advisories.
No one can deny that there is a fringe element of "evil doers" active in Indonesia. BUT. . . the same could be said about America, England, Spain, Turkey, Thailand and many other tourist destinations which have not suffered the same ostracizing by the US State Department. There are political reasons for this treatment, which, while logical, are decidedly inconsistent from country to country.
The fact is that international terrorism is a worldwide problem.
I run an international business and my clients who are mostly American travel to Indonesia several times a year. When they are here I am responsible for their safety, personally and profesionally so I take the decision to travel to Indonesia very seriously. I also have a child in college in the US who visits Indonesia frequently. It goes without saying that I wouldn't encourage him to visit if I felt that he was at risk.
So to get to the answer to your question (finally) I believe that the risk of being affected by terrorism in Indonesia -- including Bali -- is very, very low. In Lovina, it is microscopic. Security is relatively good throughout Bali. It is of course impossible to lock down a beach but the resorts and restaurants are cognizant of who enters their grounds.
Kidnapping has never been an issue.
No one wants to feel ill at ease during a holiday and the decision to travel must be based on your own personal risk tolerance. Same could be said about flying; some people just won't do it.
Enjoy your time in one of the most spectacularly beautiful and fascinating spots on this planet. I was just there last week -- along with several thousand other happy travelers. I would go back in a heartbeat.
No one can deny that there is a fringe element of "evil doers" active in Indonesia. BUT. . . the same could be said about America, England, Spain, Turkey, Thailand and many other tourist destinations which have not suffered the same ostracizing by the US State Department. There are political reasons for this treatment, which, while logical, are decidedly inconsistent from country to country.
The fact is that international terrorism is a worldwide problem.
I run an international business and my clients who are mostly American travel to Indonesia several times a year. When they are here I am responsible for their safety, personally and profesionally so I take the decision to travel to Indonesia very seriously. I also have a child in college in the US who visits Indonesia frequently. It goes without saying that I wouldn't encourage him to visit if I felt that he was at risk.
So to get to the answer to your question (finally) I believe that the risk of being affected by terrorism in Indonesia -- including Bali -- is very, very low. In Lovina, it is microscopic. Security is relatively good throughout Bali. It is of course impossible to lock down a beach but the resorts and restaurants are cognizant of who enters their grounds.
Kidnapping has never been an issue.
No one wants to feel ill at ease during a holiday and the decision to travel must be based on your own personal risk tolerance. Same could be said about flying; some people just won't do it.
Enjoy your time in one of the most spectacularly beautiful and fascinating spots on this planet. I was just there last week -- along with several thousand other happy travelers. I would go back in a heartbeat.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:55 PM
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I'm a frequent visitor to Bali, and the rest of Indonesia. Security throughout Indonesia is rather tight. It's hard ot enter a large hotel or shopping center without being checked. As the previous poster implied, you don't really need to use any more caution than you would anywhere else in the world.
Actually, the biggest drawback to Bali is the touts, who can be really bothersome.
Actually, the biggest drawback to Bali is the touts, who can be really bothersome.
Jan 3rd, 2007, 03:55 PM
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Thank you so much marmot. What you said was what I was thinking, but its always reassuing to hear it from someone else. With your expertise and knowledge of Bali, what kind of places would you recommend I visit in the North close to Lovina beach. I would love to see white sandy beaches, beautiful waterfalls and such, although I know the beaches in Lovina are of the black variety. Also my traveling partner would love to have a day of relaxation at a spa or simply a good massage. Thank you again for your previous reply...
Jan 3rd, 2007, 07:56 PM
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Donny, I've bumped up another thread about Lovina.
I wouldn't call any beaches in Bali pristine. All over Bali you can find wide, sandy beaches with great water sports, spectacular sunsets (or sunrises) and plenty of lively restaurants, clubs, spas, shops nearby, but for white sandy beaches with crystal clear water you'd better look elsewhere.
The inland area of Bali, centering around the town of Ubud, is also very beautiful. This is where you get the waterfalls, river valleys, misty mountains, terraced rice fields. It is the heart and soul of Bali for culture and the arts.
Spas and masseuses are everywhere in Bali. Most likely your resort in Lovina will have an in-house spa. If not, just ask the concierge to arrange to have someone come to your room. This is totally on the up and up. You just need to specify whether you prefer a male or female.
I wouldn't call any beaches in Bali pristine. All over Bali you can find wide, sandy beaches with great water sports, spectacular sunsets (or sunrises) and plenty of lively restaurants, clubs, spas, shops nearby, but for white sandy beaches with crystal clear water you'd better look elsewhere.
The inland area of Bali, centering around the town of Ubud, is also very beautiful. This is where you get the waterfalls, river valleys, misty mountains, terraced rice fields. It is the heart and soul of Bali for culture and the arts.
Spas and masseuses are everywhere in Bali. Most likely your resort in Lovina will have an in-house spa. If not, just ask the concierge to arrange to have someone come to your room. This is totally on the up and up. You just need to specify whether you prefer a male or female.
