From Balidiscovery
Made Pastika: Bali Remains a Terror Target
Former Bali Police Chief and Candidate for Governor Warns that Bali Remains a Target for Terrorists While Urging Australians to Defy Fear and Holiday in Paradise.
(6/30/2008) Bali's former Chief of Police and current gubernatorial candidate, I Made Mangku Pastika, has been quoted in a Sydney Morning Herald article by Mark Forbes saying that Bali remains a terror target.
Pastika complains that the Island has "failed to introduce enough security to prevent more terrorist attacks" and, as result, remains a target for terrorists. "The terrorists still consider Bali is the best place to do their activity and send a message to the world," Pastika said.
Urges Australian to Continue to Visit
Speaking on the campaign trail in Bali, General Pastika has promised that if elected he will dedicate himself to continually improve security in Bali.
An acknowledged authority on security and law enforcement, Pastika is widely credited with heading the effort that "identified, jailed or shot" tens of terrorists suspects connected with the October 2003 and 2005 terrorist bombings in Bali.
Pastika told the Herald, "Bali is dependent on tourism and tourism needs security, safety and in all facilities, hotels, tourist attractions and all those things."
Pastika urged the Australian people to continue to visit Bali, warning: "Once we are scared of terrorism they are winning; that's why I appeal to all the people of the world; don't be scared of terrorism, just come."