Here is a copy of Media Release this afternoon from Bali Hotels' Association Chairman regarding the Australian Government's DFAT "Advisory" update:
BHA comments on latest travel warning
20 January 2010
Press Release
Bali Hotels Association wishes to clarify the official statement issued by the Australian Government related with the coming Balinese New Year (or Nyepi) that will be celebrated on 16 March 2010.
This statement is not related with the level of security or threat that Bali may experience. It is only an update on an event that happens yearly and that involves one day of silence (a concept copied now in certain parts of the world but originally from Bali). During that day, every year, millions of Balinese Hindus follow the ritual requiring silence and minimal movements. Stating the smartraveller.gov.au website, "Authorities require that all people in Bali stay indoors, make no noise and switch off all lights for the duration of this period. The Balinese Hindus consider 'Nyepi' to be the most important day on the religious calendar and these prohibitions are taken very seriously."
We suggest the press and all persons traveling to / from Bali to follow the official link at smart traveller and to read by themselves that this information really only informs potential travelers about a yearly Bali celebration not about possible threats, nor to reconsider their travel plans.
We are disappointed to read that this somehow normal information has been relayed in the Australian press as a 'Travel Warning.'
We can only deplore, as we have done so for the last couple of years, that the Australian travel warning system relays information that is often linked to hearsay, is not location specific and most importantly that each time new information (regardless of its importance to security) is posted, it pops-up as a 'change in travel warning' and every time replicating fears that are not founded.
Bali Hotels Association re-assures its readers, guests and partners that the current situation in Bali has not changed and that security measures that have been in place now since a couple of years are constantly monitored, audited and reviewed; tight and regular cooperation with police and other security and safety related agencies ensure that BHA member hotels and guests are well protected; security and safety standards of BHA hotels are amongst the highest on the island and served as the basis of numerous safety and security policies in Indonesia and other parts of Asia.
Jean-Charles Le Coz
BHA Chairman 2010
gm@nikkobali.com