Letter: New Year’s Eve in Bali
| Wed, 01/05/2011 9:24 AM | readers forum
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For many of the residents in Bali the uncontrolled and indiscriminate use of fireworks was extremely disturbing. The noise started some two weeks before New Year’s and by the time they had their crescendo on New Year’s Eve it was not only pretty fireworks but also bamboo cannon and explosives that sounded across the south of Bali.

Many residents spoke of feeling like they were in a “war zone”. Those of us who lived through the Bali bombing found it traumatic. Balinese and Western children and babies were fretful and fearful. Pets took refuge. I heard cows crying behind my house. I cannot imagine the money spent by people on the fireworks not to mention the injuries. I saw a girl standing in shock after a bottle rocket backfired in her hands while her friends laughed.

The 14 injuries reported by Sanglah hospital (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 3) is an underestimate. The pollution created was also of concern not to mention the fire risk. I heard of two houses that burned down on New Year’s Eve.

The Bali Post reported on Jan 3 that flights were unable to land and several flights were forced to circle until the fireworks subsided. I am not suggesting there not be fireworks. I am however suggesting that there be control. The sale of fireworks to the general public and minors needs to be controlled. The time and place where fireworks are allowed to be used needs to be controlled.

My suggestion would be to set up public fireworks displays in each district controlled by the authorities with the fireworks in the hands of those who know what they are doing.

That way, every one could enjoy by choice and not feel as if they are in a war zone.

Michele
Bali

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2011/01/05/letter-new-year%E2%80%99s-eve-bali.html