Hawkers in Kuta a nuisance

Hawkers in Kuta a nuisance

I'd like to start by thanking The Jakarta Post for a truly
enjoyable newspaper. I've been reading it for a year and urge you
to keep up the good work. Unfortunately my letter is another Bali
ache about the street hawkers in Kuta. I think Bali is a great
tourist destination that is being ruined by the growing hoards of
street hawkers that hassle and hound all who go there.

On my last trip I saw an elderly couple cornered by a bunch of
young street hawkers. I could see they were desperately trying to
get away but were unable to. I wanted to go and help them, but I
too was cornered by a hawker who was pushing me because I
wouldn't buy one of his watches. As soon as I got away from him
another hawker blocked my path. While trying to get away from him
I noticed a man grabbing my girlfriend. She pushed him away and
we fled to the street with the elderly couple. That was just a
typical walk up the street in Kuta on any given day.

It is now impossible to walk more than five steps down any
street without someone shoving something in your face or yelling
"transport." To even sit in a restaurant for a quiet meal is
impossible; if they come one after another. They won't go away
even if the tourists say no.

The situation now seems to be completely out of control, Most
people I talk to will not go to Bali anymore for this very
reason. If the Balinese do not want to see Bali ruined as a
tourist destination, I strongly suggest that the authorities do
something about this. Perhaps they can set aside a special area
or road where the tourists can go if they want to buy a cheap
watch, get transport, rings, bracelets, have their hair plaited
or whatever. That way the other 90 percent of tourists who don't
want to be bothered, can just shop in peace and enjoy their
holiday.

PETER LOGAN

Jakarta