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lemongrass
StreetBeater
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Posts: 2324
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  Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 03:08 PM |
 
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| Post subject: Safe to go to Bali now? |
Anyone went recently? Is it safe to go to Bail as a foreigner now? I really want to go see the beautiful scenery (I am a beach person) but am abit concerned about the "threats". |
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bond
Talker
Joined: Feb 18, 2003
Posts: 98
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 03:16 PM |
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Now? As oppose to when? Bali never actually have any problems. If u go there, u will see foreign tourist everyday, otherwise how do the people there earn their living? Bali is a place that depends probably 90% on tourist. What threats are there? From who? Do u know anyone in Bali that will threat u? |
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mat
Board Royalty
Joined: Apr 26, 2004
Posts: 6970
Location: Loooooooooooose!
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 03:22 PM |
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| bond wrote: |
| Now? As oppose to when? Bali never actually have any problems. If u go there, u will see foreign tourist everyday, otherwise how do the people there earn their living? Bali is a place that depends probably 90% on tourist. What threats are there? From who? Do u know anyone in Bali that will threat u? |
Been isolated for a while? Stuck in a cave? |
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lemongrass
StreetBeater
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Posts: 2324
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Apr 03, 2008 - 03:33 PM |
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bond..get a minute to read the below news?
Easter Threats Against Christians in Indonesia Reported
By Patrick Goodenough
CNSNews.com International Editor
March 19, 2008
(CNSNews.com) - Easter will be "a time of great anxiety" for Christians in Indonesia, where radical Islamist have reportedly threatened to attack Christian targets.
The Barnabas Fund, a charity working among Christians in Islamic countries, cited "credible reports" of threats against Christians by Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the terrorist network blamed for a number of bombings in Indonesia in recent years.
"Jemaah Islamiah is dedicated to creating a single Islamic state throughout Southeast Asia under shari'a law," the organization said in a dispatch on Tuesday. "It considers non-Muslims as legitimate targets and is active throughout the region."
Threats linked to important Christian observances are not unusual in Indonesia. In 2000, 19 people were killed in a series of coordinated Christmas Eve church bombings blamed on JI, a group with suspected links to al-Qaeda.
The bombings came at a time of deadly Muslim-Christian clashes in Maluku and Central Sulawesi provinces, northeast of Indonesia's main island of Java. Thousands died in the violence between 1999 and 2002.
Peace accords later were signed in the two affected provinces, although sporadic attacks have occurred since then. In 2005, three Christian schoolgirls in Sulawesi were beheaded by killers -- some linked by police to JI -- who left one of the severed heads in a bag at the door of a nearby church, with a note threatening to kill 100 more young Christians.
Elsewhere in the archipelago, Islamist attacks, threats or pressure on local authorities have forced the closure of scores of churches in recent years.
JI's most high-profile actions were not aimed at Indonesian Christians, however. Its cells were responsible for four major attacks between 2002 and 2005, including two targeting tourists on the resort island of Bali, one at the Australian Embassy in Jakarta and one at an international hotel in the capital. Together they cost more than 250 lives.
Since then the network has sustained heavy losses, including the arrest of key figures. Some leaders are still at large, however, including one who escaped from Singaporean custody late last month and remains the target of a massive manhunt.
Prof. Zachary Abuza, a specialist on South-East Asia terror networks, said Wednesday reports of JI threats against Indonesian Christians this Easter did not surprise him.
"Sectarian violence was JI's bread and butter for years before they engaged in terrorist operations in Bali in October 2002," he said.
Given the security force crackdown after the bombings, many JI members had argued that attacks on Western venues were counterproductive - although not necessarily morally wrong - and "have advocated a return to the sectarian bloodletting that they engaged in" in Maluku and Central Sulawesi.
With setbacks like the arrest of top leaders and seizure of explosives during raids of JI safe houses last year, "a return to sectarian violence makes sense," said Abuza, professor of political science at Simmons College in Boston.
"They create a pool of young indoctrinated recruits, who have fought in defense of their religion, and reinforces their Manichean world view," he said. "Moreover Western governments put less pressure on the Indonesian government to react [than in the case of high-profile attacks against foreigners]."
Sidney Jones, a Southeast Asia-based senior advisor at the International Crisis Group, said Wednesday she had heard nothing to suggest planned attacks linked to Easter - or that JI was capable of mounting one if it wanted to do so.
"But there are some splinter groups here that have long seen local Christians as the enemy," she said.
Jones said local "anti-apostasy" groups had carried out attacks in places where local evangelical groups had been trying to convert Muslims, or where Christians were meeting in homes to sidestep regulations requiring community consent to build churches.
Those attacks were mostly against property rather than individuals, although one splinter group tried to murder a convert priest in October 2006, she said.
Attempts to reach the Indonesian Council of Churches for comment were unsuccessful.
The Australian government is warning its citizens of a "very high threat of terrorist attack" in Indonesia.
"We assess terrorists are continuing active planning of attacks," the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said in an advisory. "These attacks could take place at any time and could be imminent."
The department said Jakarta and Bali may be targeted, and strongly advised against all travel to Maluku and Central Sulawesi, "due to the unstable security situation and risk of terrorist attack." Foreigners could be directly targeted, or could be caught up in violence aimed at others, it said, noting that churches were among the potential targets.
More than 90 of those killed in attacks attributed to JI since 2002 were Australians.
Britain's Foreign Office also regards the threat of terrorism in Indonesia to be "high," warns against all travel to Maluku and Central Sulawesi, and says periods like Easter and Christmas are "a time of heightened tensions." |
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Claudius
Seeker
Joined: July 17, 2004
Posts: 60
Location: Jingan, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 03:59 PM |
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| bond wrote: |
| Now? As oppose to when? Bali never actually have any problems. If u go there, u will see foreign tourist everyday, otherwise how do the people there earn their living? Bali is a place that depends probably 90% on tourist. What threats are there? From who? Do u know anyone in Bali that will threat u? |
I suppose the parents, of the two young Danish girls who lost their lives 2 years ago when a terrorist bomb blew up the night club where they were having a good time, can answer your questions. |
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Dasher
Seeker
Joined: Aug 28, 2007
Posts: 68
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:04 PM |
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Or all the Australians who had family killed in the bombings that targeted foreign tourists. |
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mat
Board Royalty
Joined: Apr 26, 2004
Posts: 6970
Location: Loooooooooooose!
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:04 PM |
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mat
Board Royalty
Joined: Apr 26, 2004
Posts: 6970
Location: Loooooooooooose!
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 04:06 PM |
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Maybe Bond is a local so only gets to read the news that everything in the world is peaceful and Harmonious. Exept of course to the West of Yunnan. |
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bond
Talker
Joined: Feb 18, 2003
Posts: 98
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:26 PM |
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Yeah, sorry guys... I am too busy sunbathing in Bali to notice anything else that is happening in the world. |
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Claudius
Seeker
Joined: July 17, 2004
Posts: 60
Location: Jingan, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:31 PM |
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...and when you are being blown to pieces you will never know. |
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Claudius
Seeker
Joined: July 17, 2004
Posts: 60
Location: Jingan, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:38 PM |
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bond
Talker
Joined: Feb 18, 2003
Posts: 98
Location: Shanghai, China
Status: Offline
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:39 PM |
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Hope my skin tan will compensate the risk by then... or they can always find a new Mr. Bond... |
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brasil
LoopKicker
Joined: July 17, 2006
Posts: 890
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 04:42 PM |
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| mat wrote: |
| Maybe Bond is a local so only gets to read the news that everything in the world is peaceful and Harmonious. Exept of course to the West of Yunnan. |
| cambrone wrote: |
| Total bullfeces. You dont read Chinese news at all. Their news is full of trashy and gory events, rather pathetic if you ask me. Shanghai Daily has a section on such news in English but the local pap's are much worse. You dont know what you are talking about but speak with the confidence of a master propagandist. Typical anglosaxon behavior. |
| yu888 wrote: |
| Once in awhile, I agree with FL, at least the part about the news. Yes, one only needs to look at the Chinese papers to see all the nesty events that happen, some of them ridiculous and totally outlandish to us foreigners. The fact that its not translated to a foreign language here doesn not mean it is not reported. |
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CIA
LoopKicker
Joined: Mar 23, 2008
Posts: 890
Location: Least Expect
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Apr 03, 2008 - 04:48 PM |
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Not if you like ten fingers and ten toes. |
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| Every evening I died, and every evening I was born again, resurrected. |
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Claudius
Seeker
Joined: July 17, 2004
Posts: 60
Location: Jingan, Shanghai
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 05:06 PM |
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| Post subject: Re: Safe to go to Bali now? |
| lemongrass wrote: |
| Anyone went recently? Is it safe to go to Bail as a foreigner now? I really want to go see the beautiful scenery (I am a beach person) but am abit concerned about the "threats". |
Here is the OP. |
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L.M.
Reacher
Joined: June 05, 2007
Posts: 264
Status: Offline
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| Posted:
Apr 03, 2008 - 06:03 PM |
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| bond wrote: |
| Now? As oppose to when? Bali never actually have any problems. If u go there, u will see foreign tourist everyday, otherwise how do the people there earn their living? Bali is a place that depends probably 90% on tourist. What threats are there? From who? Do u know anyone in Bali that will threat u? |
202 people were killed when Indonesian terrorists blew up a nightclub in Bali on 12th October, 2002. 164 of the dead were foreign tourists. 88 Aussies died that day.
I bet you don't even know about Sept. 11. |
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pacificwaves
Seeker
Joined: May 23, 2007
Posts: 50
Location: On the 23rd Floor.
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Apr 05, 2008 - 03:03 PM |
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The fairest way to get a neutral look on Bali is from fellow travellers. I recommed you to check on lonely planet, as they have huge reviews (good and bad) about diverse destination all over the world, including Bali.
Here's the link for you to independently research yourself:
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/worldguide/indonesia/bali/
http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/
If we 100% make our decision based on what popular media told us these days, we'd never leave our home's front door. |
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Batavia
Rocker
Joined: Sep 15, 2006
Posts: 610
Status: Offline
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Apr 05, 2008 - 07:09 PM |
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Why Bali is not safe?
It happened in Madrid, London, New york. |
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krystal134
Lurker
Joined: Mar 20, 2008
Posts: 33
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Apr 07, 2008 - 08:52 AM |
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i went to bali 1 1/2 years ago, and had a really good time. i went traveliing all around the island...
there are threats everywhere in the world. both in the west and the east......
But you shouldn't let them spoil your travels. otherwise none of us would go anywhere.... |
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kpmautner
Reacher
Joined: Aug 01, 2005
Posts: 316
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Apr 07, 2008 - 08:57 AM |
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The most dangerous aspect of visiting Bali is that you usually have to fly there on Garuda airlines. |
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maneo
Rocker
Joined: May 12, 2007
Posts: 760
Location: in a gadda vida
Status: Offline
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Apr 07, 2008 - 09:04 AM |
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krystal - planning any trips to see the ancient historical sites of Baghdad?
How about a trek to the Khyber pass.
Might make for some "exciting" vacations.
Don't think there's that level of excitement in Bali, but your experience "1 1/2 years ago" is now a bit dated.
Keep in mnd that some people may be risk phobes.
In today's world they should probably go to Sanya or to Hawaii.
Bond should appreciate not having flocks of tourists descending on his beach. |
Last edited by maneo on Apr 07, 2008 - 09:05 AM; edited 1 time in total |
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goggles
Seeker
Joined: Aug 26, 2005
Posts: 70
Status: Offline
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Apr 07, 2008 - 09:05 AM |
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Maybe we are just more aware of the Bali situation being Australians, but there is no way I would take my kids there. There is so much information about JI (Al Queda equivalent) in Indonesia and the strength of their feeling against Westerners that it truly is only a matter of time before it happens again. Of course the chances are small that it would happen to us if we went, but I don't want to (and wouldn't) take that chance.
This is obviously just one opinion but I think you owe it to yourself and your family to find out as much as you can about the situation before you make your decision.
And besides, having being there once, although probably ten years ago now, I'd have to say that I'd choose just about anywhere else in South East Asia over Bali any day. |
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krystal134
Lurker
Joined: Mar 20, 2008
Posts: 33
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Apr 07, 2008 - 09:23 AM |
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thats just my opinion, from my experience. if its a 'war zone' then its a no brainer !!!! maneo!!!
I didn't know of any recent issues and heavy threats now in bali. my point was that there are threats everywhere...small and large. but bali is still a tourist magnet.
if your gonna worry about it, then maybe you should consider going for another holiday destination. |
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p1atl10
Board Royalty
Joined: Mar 18, 2005
Posts: 6293
Location: Shanghai
Status: Offline
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Apr 07, 2008 - 10:12 AM |
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http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_918.html
This information is current as of today, Mon Apr 07 10:10:55 2008.
INDONESIA
October 05, 2007
This Travel Warning updates information concerning the security situation in Indonesia and urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to that country. This Travel Warning supersedes the January 9, 2007. Travel Warning for Indonesia.
Due to the possibility of terrorist attacks directed against American or other Western citizens and interests, the Department of State urges American citizens to evaluate carefully the risks of travel to Indonesia. The October 1, 2005, terrorist attacks in Bali, in which suicide bombers killed 20 people and injured more than 100, are a reminder that terrorists remain active in Indonesia. Similarly, during the three prior years, there were three significant terrorist attacks in Indonesia, two in Jakarta and one in Bali. During 2007, the Indonesian police and security forces disrupted a number of cells linked with Jemaah Islamiyah, a U.S. Department of State-designated foreign terrorist organization. The existence of additional cells intending to carry out future attacks in Bali, Jakarta, or other areas of Indonesia cannot be ruled out.
Terrorist attacks in Indonesia could occur at any time and could be directed against any location, including those frequented by foreigners, as well as identifiably American or other Western facilities or businesses in Indonesia. Such targets could include but are not limited to places where Americans and other Westerners live, congregate, work, study, shop, or visit, including hotels, clubs, restaurants, shopping centers, identifiably Western businesses, housing compounds, transportation systems, places of worship, schools, or public recreation events. While past terrorist attacks have involved the use of vehicle-borne explosives or suicide bombers carrying explosives in backpacks, terrorists may use other forms of attack in the future. Terrorists may target individual American citizen residents, visitors, students, or tourists, and tactics could include but are not limited to kidnapping, shooting, or poisoning.
The Department of State urges Americans in Indonesia to avoid crowds, maintain a low profile, and be vigilant about security at all times. Americans are advised to monitor local news broadcasts, vary their routes and times in carrying out daily activities, and consider the level of preventive security when visiting public places in Indonesia. Americans who choose to vacation in Indonesia despite the security risks are advised to consider the level of preventive security when choosing hotels, restaurants, beaches, entertainment venues, and recreation sites.
The U.S. Mission in Indonesia restricts U.S. Government employees' travel to certain areas of the country and, at times, denies them permission to travel to specific locations. Employee travel to the provinces of Papua, Central Sulawesi, and Maluku requires the concurrence of the Embassy’s Regional Security Officer. Americans seeking the latest travel restriction information may contact a consular office. The U.S. Mission can occasionally suspend service to the public, or close, because of security concerns; in these situations, it will continue to provide emergency services to American citiz |
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lemongrass
StreetBeater
Joined: Jan 15, 2005
Posts: 2324
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| Posted:
Apr 07, 2008 - 12:38 PM |
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Thanks for the replies. I think I will skip Bali and go somewhere else in Asia instead. Never have been to Bali and always like to go but I don't want to end up watching my back all the time. A place with no "fear" is probably a better place for a relaxing vacation. |
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