Bali Hotels Respond to Jakarta Attack

(9/27/2003)

Casa Grande, an association of Bali-based starred hotels has called on its member hotels to intensify their security measures in the wake of the bombing of a Jakarta hotel on August 5, 2003.

Most Bali hotels have introduced a number of stringent security measures in place since the Kuta nightspot bombing of October 12, 2002. These measures include the following:

• Regular briefing between senior management, security staff, and rank and file employees to increase awareness of potential terrorist threats.

• Supplementing the strength of the security staff on duty at individual hotels through adding staff, providing additional security equipment and systems, and close cooperation with the local police services.

• The creation of security parameters around local hotels where all vehicles undergo a security inspection before entering areas in close proximity of the hotel.

• The logging of the police registration numbers of all vehicles entering hotel premises.

• Drivers and vehicles to be asked to declare their reason for entering the hotel's property.

• Inspection of all vehicles' interiors and baggage compartments for suspicious materials.

• Mirror inspection of the underbody areas of vehicles entering a hotel area.

• Strict control on vehicles movements once inside the hotel grounds forbidding loitering of taxis, vans and private vehicles near hotel's entrances.

Robert Kelsall, the Chairman of Casa Grande said "Casa Grande offers its condolences to industry colleagues at the J.W. Marriott Jakarta and those affected by the blast." Adding, "Casa Grande hopes that rechecking preventative security measures will reduce potential threats to life and property in Bali."

Casa Grande is a professional association of star-rated hotels and resorts in Bali. Members include the general managers form nearly 50 hotels and resorts.