In Reply to: This is why kids shouldn't be left on posted by willow on Thursday, 6. October 2011 at 15:14 Bali Time:
No matter how lovely you think Bali is, there is a very seedy and dangerous underbelly.
All too often people are set up by the local constabulary with the assistance of the local gang Laskar Bali (LB) which counts many officers as members. Laskar Bali essentially control all aspects of street commerce in and around Kuta Legian. Although they share Laskar in their name LB are not directly related to the Golkar parties' youth wing (gang) that operates in rest of archipelago.
If you look closely and discreetly at the guy whispering in your ear, hashish, marijuana, heroin, young lady, etc. you may notice a tattoo in the form of a bowed ribbon. This telltale marking is only worn by LB members.
On a number of occasion I have spoken with the head of undercover narcotics in Kuta. There is no way shape or form that you would tell from appearances that he is anything but a 40ish cowboy with dreads, tats and the surreal slimness of a Shabu user. Yes he proudly wears the pussy bow as proudly as he shows his badge.
The usual scenario is the stupid buy drugs, either directly from an officer or a LB member working in cahoots. Then the mark has as much cash extracted from them as possible and it is all put down to experience.
I can understand that a silly teenager would not have the resources or wherewithal to deal with this type of situation (especially if they had consumed a substance).
There are conflicting reports in the media that his parents did not immediately show up at the Police station with large sums of money to make this go away, and he spent much time by himself with the police. There is some credence to this scenario as it is being reported that the boy may be re interviewed today in the company of his parents and or lawyer. Hopefully, if there is a grain of truth to these set of circumstances he may be dealt with expeditiously.
Over the last 4 or 5 years international gangs have been making inroads into Bali with the tacit support of LB. There are some big burly Aussie "boys" who like to wear leather vests, working in the security industry here. No idea how on earth they can legally get visas. In fact one of the most brutal and notorious international motorcycle gangs the Canadian based Rock Machine now have a Bali chapter (check their website).
The fact is that tourists are just walking ATMs to locals. Yes they nod and smile ever so obsequiously but never smile at a crocodile, especially when you think they are doing you a favor. I count a good many Balinese as friends and these relationships have been built over the years but when it comes down to the crunch Balinese first in all circumstances. Their country their rules and we all know they are playing with loaded dice.