Hotels implement tight security
Hotels implement tight security
Rita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar, Bali
Only a few months ago, Bali was considered one of the safest
tourist resorts in Indonesia and the world.
But the Oct. 12 blasts, which claimed nearly 190 lives in the
Kuta area, changed everything. Since the tragic incident, Bali
has lost its tranquil image. Foreign tourists fled the resort
island and people have become overly wary of newcomers.
All ports of entry into the island have been equipped with
tight security systems, as well as every tourist facility,
especially hotels, restaurants and nightclubs.
Susan Leigh, a British citizen who was visiting the island
shortly after the bombing, said the security systems at hotels
had been good so far, but many of them were excessive.
"I used to feel so free and relaxed in Bali. But not now, even
receptionists in hotels have sour faces," she complained.
Laksmi Hidayat, a local professional, shared her experience in
Bali. "In some hotels, we were all checked by the security staff.
But in others, people could walk through the hotel lobby and even
to hotel rooms freely. This was amazing to me," Laksmi said.
She found that tight security systems only applied to hotels
used for conferences and meetings involving high-ranking
government officials, international participants and top
businesspeople.
Levie Martin, the public relations manager of Sheraton Nusa
Indah Hotel and the Bali International Convention Center in Nusa
Dua, said that most hotels and tourist facilities in Bali were
trying hard to equip their properties with complicated and
expensive security equipment.
"Security is our top priority to ensure that our guests feel
secure at our properties. Their safety is at our stake," said
Levie.
All travel agents and tourist agencies from all over the
world, he said, had come to Bali to inspect security systems.
Security systems may vary at each hotel depending on a number
of factors, such as its financial condition, location and
function.
Luh Suciari, the public relations manager of Santika Beach
Hotel in Kuta, said that since the bombing, that hotel had
tightened its security. "We have a special metal detector to
check any guest at random," she said.
Deddy Sasmita, the public relations manager at the Hard Rock
Hotel in Bali, also added that almost every hotel in Bali,
especially those located in Kuta, Legian, Sanur and Nusa Dua, was
equipped with a security system.
"The Hard Rock Hotel has set up a special security booth and
tightened security in every corner of the hotel. Any car entering
the hotel area is subject to inspection," said Deddy.
The importance of imposing tight security was comprehensively
discussed during a one-day workshop at the Bali International
Convention Center (BICC) in Nusa Dua. The meeting brought
together experts in security.
Steve Shellum, the publisher and editor of the Hong Kong-based
Hotel Asia Pacific Magazine, explained that security was one of
the topics hoteliers must be prepared to discuss openly, and they
should also be prepared to share their resources and expertise.
Richard Bussiere, the area managing director of Sheraton
hotels and resorts in Indonesia said: "We are proud to be able to
take part in this positive initiative toward the recovery of
Bali."
The industry, he added, had come together for a team effort to
rebuild confidence after the impact of the Oct. 12 incident.
"As part of Starwood Hotel & Resorts, we have been equipped
with relatively high safety and high security standards and
procedures," Bussiere said.
"Through this forum, we believe that we will be able to share
and learn valuable information from each other."