Bali Police Chief Pledges to Keep Bali Safe

(8/10/2009)

Bali's newly appointed Chief of Police, Inspector General Sutisna, has pledged to optimize security in Bali, citing security as his main responsibility during his Bali assignment. As reported on beritabali.com, General Sutisna sees Bali as still threatened by the possibility of terrorist attacks.

In a meeting with senior police officers serving under his command held on Monday, August 3, 2009, General Sutisna underlined that he would continue the programs of his predecessor, General Teuku Ashikin, in order to retain and further enhance the currently conducive security situation in Bali.

"Lets think together to consider ways to retain Bali's cultural identity," said Sutisna. The new man in charge of policing in Bali also said he concurred with General Ashikin that Bali is an icon of national security. For this reason, he hoped the people of Bali would accept his assignment to their island and allow him to continue to maintain security and safety. Adding, "I hope the people of Bali will embrace my presence so we can work together to create a secure situation for Bali."

Sharing the stage with his successor, outgoing police chief General Ashikin said terrorists still pose a real threat to Bali. Moreover, he fears that Bali continues to be a target for terrorists. This fact must serve as an incentive to urge those charge with security to do their utmost to keep Bali safe.

Ashikin told those in attendance that Bali's role as an icon of security in Indonesia, makes defending the island necessary to retain the world's faith in the Republic of Indonesia.

Driving home his point, Genera Ashikin said that the sea and air gateways to Bali have always been guarded by the Bali police. Recent bombings in Jakarta, however, have served to make the police redouble their diligence in guarding Bali's access points.