Bali Terrorism Threat

22 March 2012

Police on Indonesia's resort island of Bali stepped up security in tourist hotspots earlier this week after five suspected terrorists were shot dead in raids, however tourists remain unfazed by the incident.

"We beefed up security in all places around Bali especially in strategic places such entertainment spots, hotels and malls. What's clear, we are on alert. We guarantee maximum security for tourists. They should not be alarmed and should continue to enjoy their holiday," a Bali police spokesman said.

The popular tourist enclave of Seminyak is a particular focus for police security after the La Vida Loca bar 'popular with tourists' was named as a likely terrorist target.

Police said that on Sunday evening they gunned down five people in two separate raids in the Denpasar and Sanur areas in the south of the island, which is popular with tourists for its beaches and lush interior. Tourists were unfazed by the news and many were seen shopping, eating at the restaurants and sunbathing on the popular Kuta beach strip.