By Aditya Ruslan )*
Bali will host an important world event, namely the 10th World Water Forum (WWF) in 2024. As an international platform that brings together stakeholders in discussions about water management, this forum is not only a place to share knowledge but also a symbol of global commitment to protect natural resources that are crucial for life, namely water.
However, when presenting an event of this magnitude, the main priority is safety. Security efforts have become the main focus of organizers, local governments and related security agencies. Various concrete steps have been taken to ensure the safety of participants, facilities and the surrounding community.
To make the 10th WWF activity a success which will take place in Nusa Dua Bali from 18 – 25 May 2024, a number of preparations have been made by the central and regional governments, as well as in terms of security, both hotels and venues visited by WWF participants.
Reflecting on the successful security system for major events such as the G20 Summit, the security forces of the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (lTDC) Nusa Dua have made preparations in terms of security. Chief Security Officer of ITDC Nusa Dua, I Putu Gede Warga, said that his party always coordinates with the TNI-Polri and other security elements. Apart from that, the participation of regional buffer villages and all levels of society is also needed to support and make the WWF event in Bali a success.
I Putu Gede Warga also added that in the ITDC area itself there are around 15 hotels that will be used as accommodation for VVIP/VIP guests and the ITDC has coordinated with the GM and Chief Security of each hotel to improve the security system and comfort of the delegates, both for people and luggage of heads of state or delegations present.
Preventative security measures will be strengthened with strict checks carried out at the event’s main entry points and facilities throughout the activity. Electronic and physical security checks are also installed to detect potential threats. Close cooperation between local and international security authorities was enhanced to ensure effective integration of information and rapid response to possible situations.
Apart from that, 5,791 police personnel will be deployed to secure the 10th WWF meeting in Bali. These thousands of police are a combination of personnel from the Bali Police, East Java (Jatim) Police, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) Police, as well as additional personnel (BKO) from the National Police Headquarters.
Head of Public Relations of the Bali Police, Commissioner Jansen Avitus Panjaitan, said that thousands of police would be deployed a day or two before the 10th WWF international meeting was held. Apart from Polri personnel, Jansen continued, security for the 10th WWF also involved elements of the TNI and other related stakeholders . So he hopes that the public and tourists who are on holiday in Bali will also support and make this activity a success.
In addition, community-based approaches are also strengthened. Local communities must be involved in the security process as partners in maintaining the security of the 10th WWF activities. Increasing public awareness and involvement in reporting suspicious activity is key in ensuring the success of security efforts.
Head of the National Counter-Terrorism Agency (BNPT), Komjen Prof. Dr. H. Mohammed Rycko Amelza Dahniel also asked his staff to participate in supporting security for the 10th WWF in Bali. One of the efforts made is to increase the assessment of environmental security systems and vital objects against potential acts of terrorism before holding the event. According to Komjen Rycko, the quality of BNPT assessments needs to continue to be improved in the future. The reason is that this assessment of potential acts of terror is also needed to safeguard vital national objects.
Therefore, BNPT has carried out assessments from 22 to 26 April 2024 at a number of WWF venues. These include the Bali Nusa Dua Convention Center (BNDCC), Apurva Kempinski Hotel, The Stones Hotel, Bali International Convention Center (BICC), Sofitel Bali Hotel and Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK).
In addition to efforts to secure vital objects and personnel, the government also continues to pay attention to environmental security aspects. Bali, which is known for its extraordinary natural wealth, requires extra protection so that this forum’s activities do not damage its ecosystem. Thus, special steps have been taken to ensure that every activity related to the 10th WWF takes place in accordance with the principles of sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Meanwhile, awareness of cyber threats also deserves attention. Cyber security systems must be strengthened to protect sensitive data and information technology infrastructure used in the implementation of this forum. Cyber attacks are a global threat that must be faced with vigilance and readiness.
With these efforts, the 10th WWF in Bali is expected to be a successful event not only in terms of exchanging knowledge and experience but also in maintaining security and sustainability. The spirit of global collaboration to protect our most precious source of life, namely water, will continue to inspire steps for a better future.
)* The author is an environmental activist in Bandung