NUSA DUA, Indonesia - From escort electric vehicles and horse patrols to warships and fighter jets, security at Indonesia’s “Island of the Gods” Bali has been ramped up ahead of the G-20 leaders’ summit.
A team of more than 18,000 police officers and soldiers has been tasked to ensure the safety of the world leaders and their delegates as they convene for high-level meetings in the upscale resort area of Nusa Dua on Nov 15 and 16.
Code-named Operation Grand Castle, the massive security measures cover any potential threat – from bomb and terrorist attacks to street protests and natural disasters, the authorities said.
“We are optimistic, we are ready for this big game for our nation. This is a great honour for our nation,” Defence Minister Prabowo Subianto said of the “extraordinary preparations”.
As first-time president of the Group of 20 (G-20), which comprises some of the world’s largest economies, Indonesia is not taking any chances in ensuring the success of the summit.
Bali is no stranger to hosting international conferences and events, but security is especially tight this time round, residents said.
At least 17 heads of state and government have confirmed their attendance, including United States President Joe Biden, Chinese President Xi Jinping and newly elected British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. Russian President Vladimir Putin has said he will give the summit a miss, as has Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, who was invited by President Joko Widodo as an observer.
Twelve warships, two F-16 fighter jets and 13 helicopters will safeguard Bali’s waters and airspace, while Anoa armoured vehicles will be on standby to evacuate attendees in case of any life-threatening emergencies.
A battleship docked in the waters around Nusa Dua will function as a floating hospital, to cater to summit invitees.
Electric vehicles – 42 cars and 126 motorcycles – will escort the leaders and delegates. Another 84 electric motorcycles packed with helmets, jackets, pants, shoes and gloves will be used as security and rescue vehicles, according to the Indonesian military, or TNI.
In Ring 1, the most secure area including The Apurva Kempinski Bali hotel, where the main meeting will be held, 18 police officers on Dutch-bred horses will patrol the grounds in three shifts. Mounted patrols are particularly useful on Bali’s many beaches to help keep order in the event of mass protests or riots.
The movement of people is also being monitored – and curbed.
At the airport and ports, a special security team will use facial recognition technology to monitor both domestic and foreign visitors to the island.
Locals have been instructed by the authorities not to hold traditional ceremonies and religious activities until Thursday, while schools switch to online lessons during this time and employees work from home. To prevent traffic congestion, vehicles with odd versus even licence plate numbers are restricted from travelling on key roads on alternate days.
Despite the heavy security and community restrictions, Balinese cheered the mega international event, which they said could help revive the economy and the tourism sector, the source of income for two-thirds of the local population.
Visitors to Bali are now welcomed by thousands of penjor lining the streets. These tall decorative bamboo poles with streamers that sway in the breeze are Balinese symbols of gratitude to God.
From the airport to the summit venue, striking purple and fuchsia billboards and banners scream “Welcome to Bali”. They also bear the G-20 logo and summit theme – “Recover Together, Recover Stronger”.
Bus driver Ketut Suardika, 46, said: “Bali was dead during the Covid-19 pandemic – zero tourists, quiet streets, empty hotels. The G-20 is a huge opportunity for us to tell the world we are ready for tourism again.”
