Bali Tightens Security As Indonesia’s Terrorism Alert Increased

Share The Article

Police in Bali, as well as border control officials and security forces are increasing surveillance operations as Indonesia’s terror alert has been heightened. Following the bombing of the Astanaanyar Police HQ in Bandung City, West Java, on Wednesday, 7th December, police in Bali are taking no chances when it comes to making the island safe.

Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday afternoon Head of Bali Police Public Relations Commissioner Satake Bayu confirmed that additional officers have already been deployed across Bali. Additional security officers have been deployed to I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Padang Bai Port, Gilimanuk Port, Benoa Harbor, Celukan Bawang Port, and across public transportation terminals.

Kombes Bayu said officers will conduct more inspections, spot checks, and surveillance across key transit areas. Officers will be conducting more detailed reviews on personal data, the purpose of travel, and full inspections of travelers’ luggage where they feel it is appropriate. He also confirmed that public visits to police offices or police posts would be subject to security checks. 

He told reporters, “Security at the Polda, Polres, and Polsek ranks was tightened after the [attack] at the Astana Anyar Polsek, Bandung, especially for people who entered the Mako”. Kombes Bayu spoke further about security operations surrounding the international conferences and events currently being held in Nusa Dua. 

Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week

Easily Earn Points For Free Travel

Following on from the G20 Summit in November, Nusa Dua is currently hosting more major international conferences. These include 6th Senior Officials Meeting, 4th Ministerial Meeting,  Bali Civil Society and Media Forum (BCSMF), and Indonesia Pacific Forum For Development (IPFD). These will be followed by the International Conference on Afghan Women’s Education (ICAWE) and the 15th Bali Democracy Forum (BDF).

Kombes Bayu confirmed that security officials had been given suitable equipment for their additional inspections. Speaking separately, the Bali Police Bomb Sterilisation Unit leader, AKP I Putu Gde Semarabawa, said that his teams had been granted the use of hand mirrors (for checking under vehicles), and hand metal detectors. A set of RIIDEye X scanners and security sniffer dogs have also been deployed across Bali.

Though Bali Police are increasing security efforts at the airport and ports, there has been no indication that this will affect travel times. To date, police nor the airport or port staff have suggested that the additional security checks are causing delays or queues. 

The attack on Astanaanyar Police Station in Bandung is ongoing. The incident killed one person and injured at least ten more. Police have confirmed that the attack is a terror-related incident and that the bomb had previously served jail time on terrorism charges.

Though the attack happened on the same day as Umar Patek’s release, police have suggested that the bombing was in response to the new changes to the Indonesian Criminal Code. Though internationally, many are focusing on the changes in the law that impact unmarried couples, there are revisions to the criminal code that crack down on extremist ideologies that go against the values of the state. 

News of Umar Patek’s release from prison has triggered mixed feelings from victims of the attack and their loved ones worldwide. News that pates would be up for parole hit the headlines in August this year. He has been released but will remain part of a guidance and supervision program until 2030. Officials reiterated once again that he has met all the requirements to be released early, having served two-thirds of his sentence.

The Head of the Public Relations and Protocol Section of the Directorate General of Corrections, Rika Aprianti, told reporters “The special requirements that Umar Patek has met are that he has participated in the deradicalization coaching program and has pledged allegiance to the Unitary State of the Republic of Indonesia”.