Bali News / Bali Travel and Holiday Updates

Quietness of a number of tourist spots in Bali especially Kuta and Legian closing to planned execution of Bali bombers was commented by the owner of Paddy’s Bar – where terror attack known as the first Bali bomb took place back in 2002 – I Gde Wiratha.

On one hand Wiratha fully understands of tourists or every other human being are worry about impact of the execution. However Wiratha – Balinese successful enterpreneur, Chairman of Bali Section of Indonesian Business Chamber (Kadin), Ex Chairman of Bali chapter of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) – hopes all people, government, tourists, police, and all other stakeholder to put the issue proportionally.

“Being overly feared is definitely wrong,” said Wiratha. He tried to motivate every stakeholder that whatever happen are at the discretion of Ida Sang Hyang Widhi Wasa, the God almighty. “At God’s will, anything can happen,” said Wiratha.

In the last few days terror in different forms is spreading, especially through text message and telephone call with one message, execution will put Bali security at risk, for one single intention, to destroy Balinese living and to weaken Balinese faith. “If we are in fear, those terrorists win.”

Whilst he believe on the importance of anticipation, Wiratha reminds that it should never weakens ourselves, destroys our faith, and wipes aside the absolute power of the God. With regard to quietness of Bali tourist spots, Wiratha suggests everybody to think in common sense. “Live our life normally. Do not be affraid. If we life in fear, those terrorists will laugh in victory.”

As a flash back, the first Bali bomb back in 2008 has destroyed not only Sari Club but also Paddy’s Bar. “My bar has been destroyed. 80 tourists was killed at my property. But I and my employees have to get our life back. We should not stay in fear for too long. Bali’s economy should not grow under the shadow of fear,” said Wiratha. In the incident 56 employees working at Paddy’s Bar survived. “That was a prove of God. It is not about arrogance, but we should have no fear.”

To anticipate effect of travel advisory issued by Australian govenrment telling its citizen not to visit Indonesia around the execution, Wiratha said that he will take strategic actions both personally as a businessman as well as on behalf of business association he chairs. Finally he encourage everybody in Bali to stand together against any form of terror.