Your letters: Traffic and tourism in Bali

I refer to your article “Only 6,000 tourism workers pass competency test” (Bali Daily, Aug. 13).

The title of the article is a bit alarming at first glance but then it goes on to discuss some key issues related to the efforts to improve and standardize service skill levels, not only in Indonesia but throughout ASEAN.

Of course, everyone can improve what they do as long as they think and apply themselves with a bit of help and encouragement.

In my experience, Bali has top-notch levels of service; I have never had a bad meal in Bali in over 10 years (in fact, anywhere in Indonesia) and the people have always been unfailingly courteous and pleasant.

The main issue in Bali is the traffic congestion, which frustrates people trying to break out of the south of the island to see the sights.

Also, there are far too many reckless teenagers and unlicensed motorcycle drivers causing mayhem on the roads.

But every car driver I’ve had was very pleasant and skilled in driving. They knew the location of any place I wanted to visit and the prices were always reasonable. I believe the competency testing and training should be more effectively directed toward the politicians and senior business people here.

They, too, should be tested for managerial competency and their overall planning abilities as well as the ability to execute detailed long-term plans. Training and testing of the employees can be done at a later date.

Sourced: thejakartapost