(9/2/2010)
In the period leading up to the Idul Fitri holidays, Bali's newly appointed chief of police, General Hadiatmoko, has promised that the island's police force will dedicate themselves to suppressing robberies and tightening surveillance of port and aviation gateways.
The Idul Fitri holidays, which fall at the end of the fasting month of Ramadhan, are the busiest travel period of the entire year in Indonesia, precipitating massive movements of people traveling back to their birthplace. Unfortunately, the need for cash by celebrants leading up to the holiday also acts as an impetus for increased crime rates. The Idul Fitri holidays falls for a period covering an entire week surrounding the official holidays of September 10-11, 2010.
Quoted in Kompas, General Hadiatmoko said: "I have already ordered the head of the mobile police brigade (Brimob) to selectively take preventative steps at Bali's gateways. Whoever enters Bali will have their identities checked. Those who are under suspicion will be refused entry."
Domestic visitors to Bali are asked to show a valid identity card (KTP). Those unable to produce this document will be refused entry.
The General's comments were made at the handover of the command of the Bali police from retiring General Sutisna on August 24, 2010, at Bali's police headquarters.
Escalating Crime Rate
A recent robbery daylight attempt to rob Rp. 75 million (US$8,333) from two bank customers in downtown Denpasar was foiled to the extent that the robbers only managed to flee the scene with Rp. 500,000 (US$55) and a hand phone.
Governor Made Pastika noted his concern with the latest manifestation of Bali's growing crime rate, saying: "Robbers are becoming more bold. What's more they are prepared to commit crimes in public areas."
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