Bali Tourism Agency expects the municipal
and regency administrations to stop being lenient with illegal
tourist-related businesses. Head of Bali Tourism Agency Ida Bagus Kade
Subhiksu acknowledged that amid the rapid growth of tourism on the
island, many related businesses, such as accommodation, restaurants,
travel agencies, tour agencies, spa centers and adventure tourism
operators, were operating without the proper licenses. This not only
causes unhealthy competition, such as price wars, with those with proper
licenses, but these businesses often operate with no guarantee for
their customers’ security and safety.
Although concerned to receive many
complaints about the operation of illegal businesses, Subhiksu said his
hands were tied due to the regional autonomy law that limits the
authority of the provincial level agencies to interfere with the matter.
“Accommodation businesses, like hotels and villas, as well as other
businesses related to tourism, obtain their licenses from the regency
and municipal administrations. So, discipline is also part of their
authority. We can only urge them to be more selective when giving out
permits,” said Subhiksu.
After the signing of a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on security management for accommodation and
restaurants between the Bali Police and the Bali chapter of the
Association of Indonesian Hotels and Restaurants (PHRI), Bali Police
deputy chief Brig. Gen. Ketut Untung Yoga acknowledged that such illegal
premises had brought about fatalities to their customers. “No
responsibility was taken by the operators in the case of tourists
drowning during diving,” he said. Yoga emphasized the significance of
the legal status of a business.
“To maintain quality tourism, safety,
security, certainty and peace are the four aspects that must be adhered
to. All can only be fulfilled if the businesses are legal. Legal status
ensures the business owners’ sense of responsibility,” he said, adding,
“I believe tourists will be willing to pay more for such a sense of
security and safety.” PHRI Bali chairman Tjok Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati
acknowledged that a number of robberies and murders had also occurred in
unlicensed villas and motels. “Such cases sometimes occur in secluded
villas and motels without adequate security measures. I really hope that
the administration will be stricter on illegal premises,” said
Sukawati, better known as Tjok Ace, who currently is also the regent of
Gianyar regency.
source : bali daily
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