Police Investigate Websites that Attack the Reputation of Bali

I consider it deplorable that any person who blatantly criticises the reputation and status of any island, whether it be in the world or Indonesia, should be hauled over the coals, so to speak. It appears this is happening to the reputation of Bali as an internationally renowned tourist destination.

According to Bali Discovery, an article in the Indonesian-language NusaBali indicates that Bali’s Police Chief, Inspector General Paulus Purwoko, is having a closer look at foreign Internet Operators working to discredit Bali’s international reputation. In a meeting with local media leaders, Chief Purwoko said the presence of an international syndicate seeking to damage Bali’s reputation was proven by the various Internet site’s contents which unfairly portray and defame the social life of the Balinese people and the Government of the island.

In discussing the sites, whose contents are the part of an ongoing investigation and have been the focus of formal complaints by, among others, the Bali Tourism Board and the Bali Hotel Association, Chief Purwoko complained of the unbalanced slant of the information presented on the sites which endeavour to ridicule the police, immigration, customs, hotels and various local businesses.

The several sites which attempt to negatively impact on tourism to Bali by urging a boycott of the island, are seen by Purwoko as having ulterior motives in trying to thwart Bali’s recovery and divert business to competing destinations in the region.

Purwoko urged the Press local press to continue to act responsibly in reporting news affecting the Island’s future welfare.