Security Forces In Bali Will Increase Officers On Duty By 20%

Share The Article

Security forces in Bali have been informed that they must increase boots on the ground by 20%. Before the G20 Summit in November, security forces are already deploying teams to conduct patrols, rehearsal events, and surveillance. There are plans to increase security personnel to over 8,000 in the coming weeks as the island prepares to host heads of state from the world’s 20 biggest economies. 

Speaking on the 12th of September, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Putu Jayan Danu Putra lead a deployment of troops at ITNC Central Parking in Nusa Dua. He spoke briefly with the media and explained that over the course of the last few weeks, 6,826 security personnel had been deployed. On Monday, an additional deployment was conducted. 

Chief Inspector General Pol Putra said, ‘For the summit, it was planned that around 6,826 personnel [would be deployed]. That’s what we had set, but yesterday we received instructions from the National Police Headquarters that this will be increased by 20%’. 

He confirmed that an additional 1,365 security personnel will be deployed in the coming weeks. They will be tasked with securing the G20 outbreak events. This will lead to over 8,000 security personnel on the ground. Chief Inspector General Pol Putra did state, however, that not all 8,000 troops will be active at all times and that some will remain as a reserve force. 

The security teams comprise personnel from the Bali Police, National Police Headquarters, the Army, and the Civil and Security Services. Chief Inspector General Pol Putra continued to explain why support was needed from the National Police Headquarters. The number of troops required to secure the event surpassed that of the Bali Police Force alone.

Without additional support from the national police service, Bali Police would be unable to carry out their essential day-to-day activities alongside the additional G20 security events. With this in mind, security forces can ensure that security and safety remain a top priority for both delegations at the G20 Summit, local people, and other visitors to the Island of the Gods in November.

The Regional Military Commander IX/Udayana Major General TNI Sonny Aprianto, also the Commander of the Bali Regional Security Task Force for the G20 spoke with the media on Monday afternoon. He explained that as of the 16th of June, 6,000 army troops have been working to coordinate security efforts ahead of the G20. This includes security operations for the preliminary workshops and conferences that have been happening since mid-June in Nusa Dua. 

Major General Aprianto also confirmed that 2,000 soldiers will be deployed during the G20 event in anticipation of natural disasters. He said, ‘As many as 2000 personnel are for the Disaster Evacuation Task Force. We also anticipate if any natural disaster occurs during the implementation of the G20 so that, an Evacuation Task Force will be formed’. Bali has eleven potential disaster threats under constant monitoring, including volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis. 

With just two months to go until world leaders arrive in Bali, security forces are increasing operations across the board. Last week it was announced that border control officers have increased surveillance and checking procedures at the island’s ports, including Gilimanuk and Padang Bai. Security officers at the ports have been given extra staff and sniffer dogs to ramp up security efforts. 

Travelers to Bali expect to see more security personnel on the streets in the coming months, especially around the Nusa Dua area, where most of the G20 Summit events are taking place. While effort is being made to ensure minimal disturbance to local people and holidaymakers throughout the G20 events, travelers are reminded to comply with security forces and prepare for any extra traffic, road closures, or changes in venue openings due to VIP guests.