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."