In the wake of Friday’s elevator tragedy that claimed the lives of five young tourism workers, leaders in Bali have begun assuring the public that the incident will be investigated so that nothing similar may ever happen again.
Leaders from Bali Police, the provincial government, and the tourism board have spoken to the press to help reassure tourists that health and safety on the island is and will continue to be taken seriously.
On Friday 1st September the outdoor elevator at Ayu Terra Resort in Ubud was carrying five members of staff when one of the cables broke, causing the elevator to fall down the shaft and into the ravine below.
Two of the Balinese staff died on impact, and three more died in hospital.
As police continue to investigate the moments leading up to the deaths of Sang Putu Bayu Adi Krisna (19), I Wayan Aries Setiawan (23), Ni Luh Supernigsih (20), Kadek Hardiyanti (24), and Kadek Yanti Pradewi (19), families have been sharing their turmoil at the sudden losses.
Setiawan’s father told reporters that his son was a highly regarded futsal player who was one of Bali’s most highly sought-after young sporting stars.
Hardiyanti’s fiancé couldn’t hold back the tears as he told the press of their plans to move abroad to work before getting married in the coming year or so.
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As the investigation continues, leaders are working to ensure that tourists and tourism workers feel trust in the island’s health and safety mechanisms.
Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster expressed his condolences to all those affected by the tragedy. He was keen to ensure that the tragedy served as a reminder for the tourism business to keep health and safety front and center of all operations.
Governor Koster told the media, “Electronic technology should be routinely checked and audited for its suitability. My suspicion is that this has been left for too long.”
However, speaking separately, the Deputy Governor of Bali Cok Ace, addressed reporters after a visit to the Ayu Terra Resort.
He explained, “This is the first time this has happened, and if we look at a glance, I saw the permits, especially regarding the use and safety of work, regarding the condition of the lift.”
“From a routine inspection, one independent consultant said that in November 2022 [it was fine], and it has only been 8 months since they stated that it is still [safe] so of course this will be included in the investigation.”
It has been widely reported that Ayu Terra Resort, owner Linggawati Utomo, has committed to covering the funeral expenses of the five people who lost their lives as well as additional compensation and complying with the police investigation.
The Head of Ubud Police, PC Uder, spoke to the press to say that though the incident is a travesty, tourism should not be fearful of coming to Bali or using resort facilities.
He confirmed that resorts across Ubud that have elevators will be called into local police stations to show their health and safety and elevator safety check documents.
PC Uder said, “Later, we will also call all accommodation management that has lifts to the police station, we will ask for maintenance documents. So it’s not just information [sent in]. “
“This will carried out in Bali, because of the orders of the Bali Police Chief, with the aim of preventing tourists from being afraid to come to Bali. We want tourists to Bali to only think about having fun without thinking about safety. Because of that, we as officials will guarantee that all facilities in Bali are safe to use.”
The Head of the Bali Tourism Board, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, told reporters that tourism facilities in Bali have been under strict instruction since the end of the pandemic to have all health and safety infrastructures in place.
He confirmed that the Tourism Board will also be assigning teams to look into the safety protocols in place for resorts and star hotels in Bali that have elevators or rail-based lifts to ensure that everything is above board.
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Royston
Thursday 7th of September 2023
Too little too late. Someone is responsible and needs to be in jail. Must save face above everything else. Disgusting.🤬
George
Thursday 7th of September 2023
Maybe you should hire an independent group from Singapore to come down here and check all these lifts?
Exp
Saturday 9th of September 2023
@George, Reading that I spat out my coffee!
lionel
Thursday 7th of September 2023
Sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut. In any civilized country the owners would be tried and sent to jail.
Frankie
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
I have photos of 3 cables 4 years ago and 1 very greasy cable 4 months ago, typical Bali with unsafe machines, would never get on anything in Indonesia, corruption
Exp
Wednesday 6th of September 2023
A tragic accident indeed for those involved.
Quote "Leaders In Bali Guarantee Safety Of Tourist Facilities". Any foreigner should know this "guarantee" means nothing and is all about saving face and not loosing business.
In reality foreigners need to do their own (on the spot) risk assessments. The mentality here is that "death is unavoidable and it will happen if god so decide". Everything can be falsified here so permits, inspection reports etc. cannot be trusted. Competence and technical skills are limited: What education program do "electricians" and "lift engineers" follow here to be "certified"? My "electrician" here also moonlight as a "plumber" when need be. "A jack of all trades, master of none".