We cover 3 bad news in Bali last week
Sunset beach in Bali photo by Rhys Vandersyde
Tsunami alert
Tsunami alert in Papua after Chile earthquake
Due to a recent earthquake in Chile with magnitude 8.2, a tsunami warning was given in the coasts of Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. The earthquake caused multiple deaths and a reported 6.9 foot-wave was expected off Iquique. Earthquakes and tsunamis are not a rare occurrence in Asia, as a recent earthquake also hit the Philippines late last year which also caused tsunami warnings in neighboring Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia.
Tax Increase in Domestic and International flights
tax increase in Indonesia including Bali
“Indonesia airport authority, Angkasa Pura Airports has increased airport taxes on domestic and international flights at five airports, including Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport.” (http://www.travelbizmonitor.com) The increase amount is equivalent to 35,000 rupiah for domestic flights and 50,000 rupiah for international flights. This, a move which was justified by investment in new airport terminals, including Bali.
Prison time in Bali
Schapelle Corby inside the Kerobokan prison photo by http://www.smh.com.au
Well this last one we can’t really say it’s bad news. It’s more on both.
Inmate Schapelle Corby was in for almost a decade in Bali’s notorious Kerobokan prison. His story was a tale of unfortunate events from partying too much, to being robbed and then having a dispute over an unpaid hotel bill. His full story will be published in April. He warns of the corruption inside the prison cells and that the prisoners control the prison, and that guards were willing to turn a deaf ear of a crime inside the cell by an inmate, if paid handsomely. Check out the full story here in this link.
Prison is good news for Bali so that those who are planning to commit a crime, or are criminals, would be discouraged from committing crimes (or again). But tales of corruption in Bali prison cells, is bad news for Bali government. This is a wake up call for Bali government officials to investigate and look into the real story behind the prison cells, and not just in Bali. Corby’s story will be shared and this may also help enlighten the people on ways to avoid getting in jail, and for the government of Bali to make a move to clean up their reputation.
Sources:
http://www.travelbizmonitor.com/indonesia-hikes-air-taxes-23621
