Posted by PAUL on Saturday, 31. October 1998 at 20:17 Bali Time:
In Reply to: Bribery & Corruption in Bali posted by Soozee on Saturday, 31. October 1998 at 12:33 Bali Time:
Soozee it is not neccessary and more importantly if you are a first timer to Bali you will not be able to do it with the slight of hand way that the locals do it. And you could find yourself in a very embarrassing situation.
As regard to the police. I for a moment do not suggest that incentive money is not passed hands on a frequent basis however, I have been stopped many times. If you have your international licence and you are not blind drunk nor been driving like Mick Doohan, you will not encounter problems. I believe that the police are not in the habit of taking money from tourists for no good reason. In fact last month I was stopped with my 8 year old son on the back half way to Uluwatu and I did not have my licence with me (it was in the car that others were travelling in).
Well a few spoken words in Bahasa Indo and Bali, a smile and a ten minute chat and a huge laugh and I was on my way no problem. The isssue of money never arose.
Bali is part of the Indonesian "Reformasi" and I know through my business dealings there at the moment that a number of the officials are now baulking at the suggestion of incentives on the basis that there are government "STINGS" going on.
So all in all IN MY OPINION I really don't believe it is an issue nor a matter that tourists should embark upon !
Regards
PAUL