People protest illegal guides

DENPASAR, Bali: The local chapter of the Indonesian Guide Association staged a protest in front of the governor's office here on Tuesday, demanding firm action against illegal tourist guides operating on the island.

"Besides creating unhealthy competition, these illegal guides have tarnished the quality of the tourism business here," the protesters said in a statement.

They said the majority of the illegal guides were foreigners who did not have work permits and Indonesians who had fled violence in their home provinces.

"Hundreds of them came from Medan. They tried their luck as tourist guides here because they speak Mandarin," rally leader Made Sudira said.

The illegal guides offer their services cheaply, Made said, adding that they lacked knowledge about Bali and often gave incorrect information to tourists.

Bali Deputy Governor Alit Putra, who met with the protesters, promised to hold an open meeting to resolve the matter. (zen/edt)