(9/24/2007)
A group of disgruntled commercial villa and private home owners in Bali's Petitenget area are trying to increase pressure on local authorities to enforce anti-noise pollution regulations on bars and restaurants operating in the area.
In a letter sent to the Regent of Badung on September 17, 2007, the group complained of the lack of action by authorities against business places who electronically amplify music. Those who signed the letter underlined how the bars often play music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 11:00 p.m. until the early hours of the following day.
In the letter, business operators report they are losing revenues when disgruntled guests check out early from their villas and pledge not to return until the noise pollution problem is remedied.
A related article in the Saturday, September 22, 2007, edition of the Bali Post named the three restaurants and bars alleged to be contributing to noise pollution in the vicinity of Puri Petitenget as Day Dream, Hu’u and The Living Room. The Bali Post coverage said the three business were only allowed to operate restaurants and bars, and do not posses the “closed stage” permits and structural requirements required for live music or amplified music performances.
In a separate article, the Indonesian-language DenPost reports that officials from the Regional Government have been thwarted in their efforts to compel bars and restaurant operators in Petitenget to keep noise levels below the stipulated 40 decibel level, with levels reaching as high as 75 decibels during late evening hours.
I Wayan Adi Arnawa, the Head of the Regency's Public Order Police (Satpol), told the Denpost that violations of the noise code have been documented with some of the offending businesses have also been discovered to be operating illegally without benefit of the required permits and licenses.
Attempts by local officials to achieve a written commitment from businesses to follow the rules have reportedly been refused by at least one bar that refuses to sign the agreement.
Arnawa told the press that some toleration will be given to local businesses still in the process of obtaining permits for closed-stage attractions, but he warned that his department will not hesitate to take stern action against businesses who continue to disturb the peace.
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