Bali Security gets tightened again

You ask: “…is it real security?”

You’re kidding…right? OK…I know that the Balinese are extremely concerned about the possibility of future “events” on their island, that local banjars are hyper-alert to this possibility of an attack. And yes…there are lots of private “security” guards posted at the entrance to most resorts, shops, many restaurants, etc. And, yes, they do look fine dressed in their crisp new uniforms and shiny black harley davidson motorcycle boots. Unfortunately…much of it is all show and little substance. In December, I spent a lot of time speaking with many of these guards while waiting for my wife to shop. I would joke with them that they needed to wipe those big smiles off of their faces and at least appear to be serious. They told me that they had zero in the way of resources necessary to stop another bomber…no weapons (with the notable exception of the guards at Kafe Warisan who were armed with severe looking truncheons), not even a mobile phone provided to them unless they carried their own personal phones. On one occasion at the Bali Deli in Seminyak, our driver was not permitted into the main parking lot, presumably because we had several pieces of luggage with us in the van. He was, however, directed into the parking lot behind the Deli, where he was able to park right against the building, then enter without any further scrutiny. The most comical secuirt check of all was enetring the parking lot at Makro, where guards at the entrance waved metal detector wands over and under our vehicle. Duh!…the car is all metal! When I jokingly asked them if they “got a reading?”, they smiled sheepishly and waved us through.

If, in fact, these guys ever do discover another suicide bomber…they have no way of detaining them, no way to call for help unless they carry their personal mobile phone. The furious waving of those lighted wands they use at night will do llittle to deter a commited terrorist.

There is no doubt that there is a large Polisi presence. Take any tourist or expat route Sunset,Bali Bakery, Papas Resturant, Dynapura Gangs, Oberoi rea and you will find many polisi stopping Westerners. I guess the idea is to stop them in these quiet areas is a counterterrorism attemp. As Foreigners we are awed at the attention we receive when driving and the need to check our documents but of course the reason must be due to the belief that the next terrorist is a white westerner dressed in casual attire. Otherwise why would we take up so much of valuable polisi resources.