The U.N. Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) which kicks off in Bali on December 4th will generate tremendous global media attention. With memories of the Bali bombings a couple of years ago, authorities are taking no chances. Security at Bali’s ports has already been stepped up and will continue through December 13th. Here’s more from Bali Discovery.
7,000 Troops on Standby to Secure Climate Change Conference
Bali’s Biggest Conferences in History Will See Full Deployment of Military and Police Contingents to Safeguard the Island.
Bali News: 7,000 Troops on Standby to Secure Climate Change Conference
(11/10/2007) The U.N. Conference on Climate Change (UNFCCC) set to take place in Bali between December 3-14, 2007 will see more than 7,000 Indonesian armed troops on duty to protect the 15,000 delegates from 168 countries attending the event.
The massive troop deployment was confirmed by Major General Syaiful Rizal, the district head of the Udayana Military command in a press conference on Thursday, November 8, 2007. The two-star general told the NusaBali:”We will deploy 7,000 peace keeping personnel. We will be on duty not only in Bali, but also in Lombok. Troops will be present throughout the West Nusa Tenggara province and in every regency of Bali. We don’t want any tricks played on us.”
Underlining the positive image that will result for Bali from a successful UNFCCC summit, Rizal called for assistance and cooperation from every element of society. “Be alert, if you see something suspicious, report to the nearest police or military post,” Rizal insisted.
The lead military commander for the Bali region explained that because of the participation of Indonesia’s President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and other heads of state, both the full force of the military and police powers will be brought to bear to ensure a smooth running conference.
Air and sea entrances to Bali are already under tightened security controls and a number of patrol boats have been shifted to Bali where they are on active patrol status.
120 blue beret UN police will also be on duty at the conference headquarters with the Nusa Dua Complex of South Bali.
Visitors to Nusa Dua will notice this extra security the most, as the conference is taking place at the Westin Hotel. Those in Kuta / Seminyak will probably not be inconvenienced too much.
