(11/8/2003)
An upsurge in the opening of new bars and restaurants along Seminyak's Jalan Abimanyu following last October's terrorist attack has prompted Bali officials to have a closer look at measures to enhance public order and safety in the popular after dark venues visited by thousands of tourists each day.
New Parking Regulations
Operating on order issued by Bali's Chief of Police Inspector General Made Mangku Pastika, the head of the Kuta Police precinct has formally declared most of Jalan Abimanyu as off limits to on street parking from 8 p.m. until 3 a.m.. The area affected is on the eastern end of the road, home to numerous restaurants and night spots.
The new parking rules became effective October 12, 2003, and were reportedly made to reduce traffic jams and increase public safety.
A New Road?
An official of the local Roads and Communications department quoted in the Bali press suggested that efforts are underway to create a through road reconnecting Jalan Abimanyu to Jalan Drupadi. This would then make it possible to make Jalan Abimanyu open only to one-way traffic by providing an outlet back to main thoroughfares.
According to the official, local landholder have already signaled their readiness to surrender the land necessary for the right of way needed to construct the road.
Cracking Down on Unlicensed Businesses
Meanwhile, local tourism officials have begun a crackdown on unlicensed bars and restaurants operating along Jalan Abimanyu. A recent survey by officials found at least five bars and restaurants operating illegally without the required permits and licenses.
Officials have vowed to "get tough" on the illegal operators, claiming that traffic and noise levels produced by an over-abundance of night spots in the area are disturbing the local population.
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