The Bali Regional Police organized a significant security operation, named “2023 Grand Candle Operation,” at Puputan Margarana Niti Mandala Renon Field at Denpasar on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
This initiative is in preparation for the anticipated influx of tourists during the Christmas 2023 and New Year 2024 celebrations.
According to Authorities at Bali’s I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, it is anticipated that approximately 1.09 million passengers will travel through the airport during this festive season from December 19th to January 3rd. This represents a 20% increase from the previous year, when the airport saw around 909,143 passengers. The rise in traveler numbers underscores Bali’s growing popularity and the rebound in tourism activities.
Bali Police Chief, Inspector General Ida Bagus Kd Putra Narendra, SIK, M.Si, acknowledged the surge in tourists and outlined the measures put in place to handle potential disruptions. These include traffic jams, fuel shortages, basic commodities, natural disasters, and terrorist threats.
To specifically counter the risk of terrorism, the police have deployed various units, including those from the General Criminal Investigation Directorate, Special Criminal Investigation, Intelligence, and the Mobile Brigade’s Gegana Wanteror Unit.
The Bali Regional Police have coordinated with various agencies, deploying a total of 1,600 National Police and 2,700 cross-sectoral personnel. The aim is to ensure a conducive environment for tourists in Bali and to pre-emptively address any threats or disturbances.
Furthermore, to manage traffic congestion, especially in areas with significant tourist activity like Kuta and Badung, additional personnel have been assigned. These officers will focus on traffic engineering and management in areas known for narrow lanes and limited alternative routes, such as Atlas, Petitenget, Berawa, and Uluwatu.
The strategy includes diverting traffic and implementing open and closed traffic systems as needed, coupled with organizing and socializing these changes to the public.