Bali Tourists Must Be Aware Of Huge International Conference Happening This Week

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The 10th World Water Conference is kicking off in Bali from the 18th – 25th May.

This huge international conference will see over 35,000 delegates from over 175 countries and heads of state arrive on the island to discuss water and water-related issues in Nusa Dua. 

As preparations for welcoming ceremonies are fully underway, tourists must be aware of where and how the event could impact their vacation.

While organisations have long confirmed that the event will not impact tourist activities on the island, with so many delegates set to arrive over the coming days, tourists will undoubtedly notice more footfall at the airport, more traffic on the roads and may even encounter a ceremony or workshop or two at top water related attractions in the area. 

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One of the most significant aspect of the event that tourists will notice in the coming days is security presence across the island, but especially so in the airport, around Nusa Dua and the Badung Regency area.

Speaking to the media the Commander of the Joint Regional Defence Command, M Khairil Lubis said “The security for this summit will be held by deploying more than 14,000 people, both TNI soldiers and members of the National Police and supported by the relevant government agencies.”

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The Commissioner General of Police, Fadil Imran, told the press, “The momentum of the World Water Forum Summit emphasizes Indonesia’s strategic role in encouraging water management for shared prosperity.”

He added “to make this happen, of course it needs to be supported by excellent security, both security on the roads, accommodation activities and other places that will be visited by state guests and delegations.”

Tourists who have booked to stay in 5-star accommodation in The Nusa Dua resort area and Nusa Dua more broadly will encounter more security officers on duty during their stay. 

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To further enhance the security operation, 1,000 Brimob officers will be on standby 24 hours a day throughout the events. Brimob is a special branch of the Indonesian paramilitary; Brimob is short for Mobile Brigade Corps.

Imran told reporters, “To anticipate contingency situations, we have prepared 1,000 Brimob personnel who are ready to be mobilized whenever needed.”

He confirmed that 43 heads of state will be in attendance, four representatives from international organisations, 194 state ministers and Advanced Indonesian cabinet ministers. 

Although over 35,000 people will be arriving on the island in connection to the event, officials at I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport have confirmed that event attendees will be processed through a dedicated immigration line in addition to the VVIP arrivals terminal.

This means that disturbance to general travelers will be kept to a minimum. 

Though most of the seminars, talks, and workshops will be held within the Nusa Dua Conference Centre, ceremonies and field trip sessions will take place across the island.

Delegates and attendees have all been invited to attend melukat ceremonies should they so wish.

Tirta Empul Temple, located just outside of Ubud, has been identified as one of the temples that will be used by delegates to conduct their water purification ceremonies during their visit to the island. 

Some events are open to the public. On Monday 20th May at 5pm the World Water Forum will host the Bali Street Carnival at the Bali Collection Area at the ITDC Nusa Dua.

The event is described as a “cultural parade inspired by the Varuna, the god of water and the ruler of the sky and sea in Hinduism as a symbol of well being.”

Delegates and the general public are invited to enjoy a series of Bali cultural paradise with a range of cultural attractions and dances added into the mix too. Entry is free though registration is advised.