Leaders In Bali Guarantee Safety Of Tourist Facilities After Elevator Disaster
In the wake of Friday’s elevator tragedy that claimed the lives of five young tourism workers, leaders in Bali have begun assuring the public that the incident will be investigated so that nothing similar may ever happen again.
Leaders from Bali Police, the provincial government, and the tourism board have spoken to the press to help reassure tourists that health and safety on the island is and will continue to be taken seriously.
On Friday 1st September the outdoor elevator at Ayu Terra Resort in Ubud was carrying five members of staff when one of the cables broke, causing the elevator to fall down the shaft and into the ravine below.
Two of the Balinese staff died on impact, and three more died in hospital.
As police continue to investigate the moments leading up to the deaths of Sang Putu Bayu Adi Krisna (19), I Wayan Aries Setiawan (23), Ni Luh Supernigsih (20), Kadek Hardiyanti (24), and Kadek Yanti Pradewi (19), families have been sharing their turmoil at the sudden losses.
Setiawan’s father told reporters that his son was a highly regarded futsal player who was one of Bali’s most highly sought-after young sporting stars.
Hardiyanti’s fiancé couldn’t hold back the tears as he told the press of their plans to move abroad to work before getting married in the coming year or so.
Top 5 Travel Insurance Plans For 2023 Starting At $10 Per Week
Easily Earn Points For Free Travel
As the investigation continues, leaders are working to ensure that tourists and tourism workers feel trust in the island’s health and safety mechanisms.
Bali’s Governor Wayan Koster expressed his condolences to all those affected by the tragedy. He was keen to ensure that the tragedy served as a reminder for the tourism business to keep health and safety front and center of all operations.
Governor Koster told the media, “Electronic technology should be routinely checked and audited for its suitability. My suspicion is that this has been left for too long.”
However, speaking separately, the Deputy Governor of Bali Cok Ace, addressed reporters after a visit to the Ayu Terra Resort.
He explained, “This is the first time this has happened, and if we look at a glance, I saw the permits, especially regarding the use and safety of work, regarding the condition of the lift.”
“From a routine inspection, one independent consultant said that in November 2022 [it was fine], and it has only been 8 months since they stated that it is still [safe] so of course this will be included in the investigation.”
It has been widely reported that Ayu Terra Resort, owner Linggawati Utomo, has committed to covering the funeral expenses of the five people who lost their lives as well as additional compensation and complying with the police investigation.
The Head of Ubud Police, PC Uder, spoke to the press to say that though the incident is a travesty, tourism should not be fearful of coming to Bali or using resort facilities.
He confirmed that resorts across Ubud that have elevators will be called into local police stations to show their health and safety and elevator safety check documents.
PC Uder said, “Later, we will also call all accommodation management that has lifts to the police station, we will ask for maintenance documents. So it’s not just information [sent in]. “
“This will carried out in Bali, because of the orders of the Bali Police Chief, with the aim of preventing tourists from being afraid to come to Bali. We want tourists to Bali to only think about having fun without thinking about safety. Because of that, we as officials will guarantee that all facilities in Bali are safe to use.”
The Head of the Bali Tourism Board, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, told reporters that tourism facilities in Bali have been under strict instruction since the end of the pandemic to have all health and safety infrastructures in place.
He confirmed that the Tourism Board will also be assigning teams to look into the safety protocols in place for resorts and star hotels in Bali that have elevators or rail-based lifts to ensure that everything is above board.
