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Bali Hotels Working Hard to Improve Security for Guests

In response to the article, “Some Bali Hotels Lax in Terrorism Prevention” (March 22), I feel that as the chairman of the Bali Hotels Association I need to clarify our position and enlighten you about the level of security and safety in Bali.

The BHA, which represents more than 100 hotels in Bali, has consistently striven to improve the level of security and safety in each of its member properties and also in the local community in general. Every year, hundreds of our employees go through training, seminars and workshops organized either by the Indonesian Police or foreign police and security representatives from countries such as Australia, Britain and the United States. Member hotels go through annual audits, conducted by the BHA itself, with the results being forwarded to each member for their review and improvement.

The BHA has just signed a memorandum of understanding with the police in Kuta with regards to an “integrated police radio community” with the aim of having better communication between hotels, police and the local community in case of emergency. Eventually, this unique initiative will cover the entire island and will be available not only for BHA member hotels but also other hotels, bars, restaurants, malls and banjar (neighborhoods). This effort is supported by the Bali provincial police chief and is a first.

Last year, the BHA also produced a full manual detailing emergency procedures in case of a tsunami, which was adopted by all hotels and is now implemented in other regions in Indonesia and even in some other countries, thanks to the recognition we received from the United Nations World Tourism Organization.

Thesee are some real examples of what is being done to increase awareness and efficiency with regards to security and safety.

The relationship between the Bali Hotels Association and UN personnel stationed in Indonesia is excellent and we are working hand in hand to limit threats to security.

Also, in the article, the UN Department of Safety and Security country representative was incorrectly named as George Matie. It should be Gabriel Matei.

Jean-Charles Le Coz

General Manager

Nikko Bali Resort and Spa

Get Tough With Jakarta’s Car Users

Your March 29 editorial titled “Clearer Steps Needed to Clean Up the Skies” asks how can Jakarta reduce air pollution? Motor vehicles are the main cause. You point out that in 2009 the nation’s capital had 9.9 million vehicles. Your answer is to crack down on polluters and allow only vehicles using unleaded gasoline on the roads. But other measures can be taken, as the problem is not only one of pollution but also traffic.

I’d like to chip in my two cents worth on how Jakarta can reduce carbon emissions from motor vehicles and also put an end to traffic jams. Essentially, the answer is to reduce the number of private cars on city streets. I urge Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo to consider several measures to limit the number of private cars in Central Jakarta on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m..

First, bar private cars more than five years old from entering Jalan Sudirman and Jalan Kuningan from South Jakarta. Tokyo has such a ban.

Second, cars entering Central Jakarta via the Sudirman and Kuningan checkpoints could do so by paying a Rp 50,000 ($5.50) entrance fee. London charges cars entering its financial district.

Third, limit the number of new vehicle registration cards (STNK) that Jakarta issues annually. If the number of applicants exceeds the quota, award the STNKs by auction to the highest bidders. Singapore has this measure.

Fourth, the governor could try one bold measure: ban outright half the city’s private cars from entering Central Jakarta on weekdays during work hours. On Monday, say, cars with odd-number license plates could enter, and the next day the reverse would apply. Cars could still enter Central Jakarta out of turn, but only by paying a Rp 50,000 entrance fee. Such a move could incite angry opposition, particularly from private car users, but remember how former Governor Ali Sadikin also took a tough stance on traffic against much opposition. In 1969 he banned the becak, the ubiquitous three-wheel pedicab, that snarled up traffic. His measure worked.

Djajanto Warief

US Should Continue Ban on Military Aid

I’m writing in response to the commentary, “If the US Wants a New Era in Relations, It Can Start by Lifting the Ban on Kopassus Aid” (April 1).

So far, not even one Kopassus ex-general has been prosecuted in Indonesia. The Indonesian Army is still defying civil society. The military was told to relinquish its business interests under reform legislation by 2009, but has yet to do so.

History can show that collaboration between the United States or any other major power with armies, or army units in most of the developing world, almost never strengthens democracy. In fact, the effect is usually the opposite. Military officers, backed by Western powers, have performed numerous coup d’etats around the third world, including that conducted by Suharto in 1965.

Ronen Skaletzky

Medan