Bali Sparkles Again

The number of tourists flocking to Indonesia’s beautiful resort island of Bali is on the rebound from the slump that followed the horrendous bombing in the Kuta area last month.

In the days after the bombing, which left 185 dead and over 300 injured, hotel occupancy rates fell to less than 20 percent. Although official statistics still currently put the number of both foreign and domestic visitors way below the pre-tragedy levels, there are signs of rising confidence. Hotel occupancy has crept up to 50%, although this is still far from the normal 80–90% occupancy rate.

These encouraging developments are attributable to the hard work of the Government and the security agencies. Only last week, less than a month after the tragic bombing, the Indonesian police arrested the prime suspects in the crime. About 15 people have also reportedly admitted knowledge and complicity in the plot. In the continuing investigation, the Indonesian Police Security is working closely with their counterparts from a number of foreign countries.

In response to this situation, many countries have lifted the travel warnings that they posted for their nationals following the tragedy. This has also been helpful in giving tourists confidence in the security of Bali.

New York, 27 November 2002