Koster: For G20 Summit, Bali is Preparing Tangible and Intangible Infrastructure

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Cars cross the Bali Mandara Highway in Denpasar, Bali, on Tuesday (7/5/2022). The 12.7-kilometer toll road has continuously been revamped to welcome the G20 Bali Summit held in November this year. The revamp of the toll road includes adding solar panels, installing street lighting poles and planting mangrove seedlings.

BALI, KOMPAS – To support the success of the G20 Summit, the Provincial Government of Bali is preparing various things, from infrastructure arrangement, security, accommodation, and transportation, to the ones considered intangible.

That was the assertion from Bali Governor I Wayan Koster in a response to Kompas' question on the island’s preparation for the G20 Bali Summit. Koster asserted his statement on Friday evening (11/11/2022).

Bali Governor Wayan Koster said that Bali was very well prepared for hosting the G20 Summit on November 15-16, 2022. In addition to having the venue, facilities and other infrastructure well set, the Balinese people are very supportive of the G20 being held in Bali.

“As the host of the event, Bali has made holistic preparations, from infrastructure, security, hotel accommodation, transportation and health facilities, to the involvement of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), as well as waste management,” he asserted.

COKORDA YUDISTIRA M PUTRA

Bali Governor I Wayan Koster

According to Koster, hosting the G20 Summit is a historic moment for Bali and Indonesia. The government's trust in Bali is in line with the experience of the local government and the Balinese people in supporting the hosting of important and major international-level gatherings

The annual meeting between the IMF and World Bank took place in October 2018 at the ITDC Nusa Dua, Bali. In October 2013, Bali hosted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum or known as the APEC Summit. It was a meeting of leaders from the Asia-Pacific region.

“The G20 Summit is another important event, as it sees the attendance of state leaders from countries with a big influence in the world and the European Union. This year's G20 meeting is also vital because it is held at a time when countries in the world are in the recovery phase after the COVID-19 pandemic and the current geopolitical tensions," said Koster. In this G20 Presidency, Indonesia carries the theme "Recover Together, Recover Stronger".

Also read:

> G20 Summit Pivotal to Bali’s Economic Recovery

> Bali Implements Restrictions and Traffic Diversion during G20 Summit

Correspondingly, Koster asserted the G20 Indonesia Presidency was an opportunity for Indonesia to push the execution of policies that can accelerate the global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. Koster further said that the implementation of the G20 Summit in Indonesia, or Bali in particular, would give significant economic, social and political benefits to Indonesia.

“Bali has made preparations, from infrastructure improvement and accommodation to security. The improved infrastructure includes the preservation of roads and bridges starting from I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport to the G20 Summit venue, building access and parking lots in the Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park area, repairs in the ITDC Nusa Dua area, and the arrangement of mangrove areas in Tahura Ngurah Rai. The I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport area has also been prepared, with the construction and revitalization of the VVIP I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport building," Koster said.

Abstract

In addition to physical or tangible preparations for the G20 Bali Summit, the government has made intangible preparations such as holding congregational prayers with the community. Also attended the prayers were Bali Governor I Wayan Koster, Bali Police Chief Inspector General Putu Jayaan Danu Putra, Klungkung Regent Nyoman Suwirta and residents from 22 traditional villages in Nusa Penida, Klungkung Regency, on Saturday (10/8/2022). They prayed for the smooth implementation of the G20 Summit in Bali, which could boost Bali’s positive image.

ISTIMEWA/HUMAS PEMPROV BALI

Congregational prayers and Puja Genta Pinara Pitu activities led by Hindu priest Ida Shri Bhagawan Putra Natha Nawa Wangsa Pemayun (center) in the ITDC Nusa Dua area, Badung, on Wednesday (10/26/2022).

Around 150,000 people in Bali joined congregational prayers, held in a hybrid manner on Wednesday (10/26/2022) during the Puja Genta Pinara Pitu event at ITDC Nusa Dua. They prayed for the success and safety of the G20 Summit. Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, also attended the congregational prayers.

During the last few days, thousands of penjors (decorated bamboo poles) and the G20 Summit banners have enlivened the spirit of Bali, especially on the main roads and sites in close proximity to the G20 Summit in Denpasar and Badung regions. Koster said the installation of these decorative penjors represents the synergy between the Balinese people, business players and the government. The synergy speaks of the readiness to promote, host and welcome state guests and delegates to the G20 Bali Summit.

"For Bali, hosting an event is a crucial moment, as it has the potential to accelerate the recovery of Bali tourism. With the arrival of state leaders and delegates to the G20 Summit in Bali, the comfortable and safe meeting can get the attention of the international communities. This, in turn, will provide opportunities for the recovery of international tourism,” Koster further said.

COKORDA YUDISTIRA M PUTRA

The Provincial Government of Bali has enforced Bali Governor Regulation No. 1 of 2020 concerning the Governance of Balinese Fermented and/or Distilled Drinks. This regulation stipulates the use, strengthening, and protection of Balinese alcoholic beverages as part of Bali’s cultural diversity. This Bali Governor regulation was disseminated in Denpasar, on Wednesday (2/5/2020).

Local products

Koster, in corresponding with the recovery phase, encourages managers of hotels and tourist accommodations in Bali to use local products in delivering their services.

On Tuesday (11/1/2022), Koster gathered 24 managers of hotels to be used to accommodate the G20 Summit delegates. In the meeting, Koster requested the managers to use Balinese products to cater to the needs of the G20 Summit delegates. The products include, among others, rice, chicken eggs, vegetables, fruits, salt and beef. In addition, the managers are recommended to use Balinese arak (Nali arak) when organizing a cocktail event for the delegates. The managers and their employees were also requested to wear Balinese dresses during the G20 Summit.

“It is my hope that the event can be successful and run smoothly, given that we have been carefully prepared with coordination across sectors. I hope the event will pave the way for reviving the Balinese economy, especially in the tourism sector,” said Koster in a written statement. “The G20 Summit is expected to run smoothly and nothing untoward will occur, so that the event can become a promotional means of gaining the world's trust in Bali as the world's best tourist destination,” Koster said.

KOMPAS/FERGANATA INDRA RIATMOKO

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov's entourage passes in the Nusa Dua area, Bali, on Sunday (11/13/2022). Delegations from various countries began to arrive in Bali to attend the summit of the G20 Summit.

Pecalang

The Summit hosting preparations include involving Balinese traditional guards, locally known as pecalang, from several villages in Bali. These pecalangs are residents who are tasked with guarding and controlling the area used for traditional and religious ceremonies.

The pecalangs are assigned to stand guard over a number of security points, nearby the closed roads. They also help provide information on alternative routes in the event of the closure of the roads due to the G20 Summit.

Manggala Utama or the Head of the Bali Traditional Village Security Assistance (Bankamda) I Made Mudra (67), said that these pecalangs are proud to do their assignment. Their participation is part that makes the success of the G20 Summit. Prior to doing their job, these pecalangs were directed by the Indonesian Police and soldiers.

“We are helping to protect, especially the residents in Bualu and Peminge Villages, where restrictions on community activities (PPKM) are enforced during the summit. If for some reason there are residents who need road access, we can help communicate with the relevant authorities. It is our hope that everything will run smoothly and peacefully. We are very proud to participate,” Mudra said.

KOMPAS/HERU SRI KUMORO

The Balinese Hindus leave Sakenan Temple on Serangan Island, Denpasar, Bali, after having congregational prayers as a series of Kuningan celebrations, on Sunday (4/7/2013). In major traditional ceremonies like Kuningan, various foods are made as offerings to gods.

Mudra said the security for this international conference was so tight. Apart from guarding the main routes to the event venues, pecalangs also stay guard on several routes to tourist objects, such as access to the beach.

“One example is access to the beach near the hotel where delegates are staying. This area needs guarding. Villages involved in this security effort include Pecatu, Kampial, Kutuh and Ungasan villages. Each village carries security tasks by deploying 50 pecalangs,” said a 20-year-old pecalang.

The presence of the pecalangs is also expected to help the traffic police if there are religious and Balinese cultural activities that need to use the currently restricted roads. The duty of the pecalangs is to communicate this matter with the security guard on duty.

Bali Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) Chief Executive I Made Rentin said apart from helping the police and soldiers, pecalangs are also involved in helping mitigate disasters. Pecalangs are also tasked with guarding should there be demonstrations during the G20 Summit.

This article was translated by Aulia R. Sungkar