Time-share firms protest closure

DENPASAR, Bali: Hundreds of employees at three time-share companies marched on City Hall Tuesday to protest the local government's decision to close down the firms.

Waving banners and picket signs, the workers of Royal Bali Beach Resort, Peninsula and Bali Masari held an open protest.

"All accusations are untrue. Research reveals that 97 percent of tourists handled by us expressed their satisfaction," Alan C Thomas, president of Peninsula Beach Resort, said.

Time-share business has become a target for criticism by tourism observers, nongovernmental organizations and the Indonesian Tourist Guide Association (HPI). They accused the firms of selling empty services to tourists, which was feared to damage the image of Bali.

The State Ministry of Tourism and Art had earlier revoked the operation permit of time-share companies.

Bali Masari employs 100 staffers, Peninsula has 200 and Royal has 669. (zen/sur)