As responsible adults we should inform ourselves about the risks above and below the water. IMHO it is better to make an informed choice based on what levels and types of dangers meet our personal risk tolerance. I also think that risk tolerance changes for people at different stages of life.
Indonesia is a popular destination because it is easily accessible and quite cheap with decent diving. The terrorist risks must be considered in where and what you do. The drug problems are IMHO as big a concern. I am not sure how much coverage the recent executions of convicted "drug trafficers" got
I've heard a fair number of stories about people being offered drugs on the streets or in bars etc but over there it takes very little in volume to be found a "drug trafficer" which is punishable by death. I was also told by friends that when they declined the offered drugs the "pusher" got VERY agro and pushy about it. They said they were afraid enough of him that they actually debated buying the drugs to get him to back off.. and they don't use drugs! The Officials are not quick to offer mercy in waving the punishment. Once again it is advisable to stay on the beaten path or be sure of the company you keep visiting the locals.
I think a lot of destinations have crime and dangers that are well managed by dealing with reputable travel operations. These places are not the ones you should go for the cheapest options. It costs to maintain safety, security and so on.
Then there is one place where my personal biases put the X in the box for me. The lead up, death of Roman subsequent responses from the authorities in the Maldives and the law suit contributed to a personal boycott of that destination. I am not thrilled with any place that limits dive times and depth with no regard for divers training anyway. Put that together with what seems to be a lack of regulations governing safety of compressors/fill stations and it makes the Maldives a no go zone for me. I know I am in effect "punishing the good operators" because of a bad operator and what I see as lack of Government support. I decided that until the Government shows more interest in ensuring the safety of divers by taking steps to prevent tragic deaths like Roman's I will go elsewhere. There are many choices out there comparable to the Maldives. I have had friends go there and have a great time all the more power to them but I get to make MY choice for MY reasons. I have had people try to talk me into changing my mind :doh: I am pig headed sometimes. I will change my mind when the Government puts in place appropriate regulations for fill stations and dive operators that I think are reasonable. Since this is my self confessed personal bias and I do not try to tell others they shouldn't go there I have the right to decide what it will take to make me change my mind.
Indonesia is a popular destination because it is easily accessible and quite cheap with decent diving. The terrorist risks must be considered in where and what you do. The drug problems are IMHO as big a concern. I am not sure how much coverage the recent executions of convicted "drug trafficers" got
I've heard a fair number of stories about people being offered drugs on the streets or in bars etc but over there it takes very little in volume to be found a "drug trafficer" which is punishable by death. I was also told by friends that when they declined the offered drugs the "pusher" got VERY agro and pushy about it. They said they were afraid enough of him that they actually debated buying the drugs to get him to back off.. and they don't use drugs! The Officials are not quick to offer mercy in waving the punishment. Once again it is advisable to stay on the beaten path or be sure of the company you keep visiting the locals.I think a lot of destinations have crime and dangers that are well managed by dealing with reputable travel operations. These places are not the ones you should go for the cheapest options. It costs to maintain safety, security and so on.
Then there is one place where my personal biases put the X in the box for me. The lead up, death of Roman subsequent responses from the authorities in the Maldives and the law suit contributed to a personal boycott of that destination. I am not thrilled with any place that limits dive times and depth with no regard for divers training anyway. Put that together with what seems to be a lack of regulations governing safety of compressors/fill stations and it makes the Maldives a no go zone for me. I know I am in effect "punishing the good operators" because of a bad operator and what I see as lack of Government support. I decided that until the Government shows more interest in ensuring the safety of divers by taking steps to prevent tragic deaths like Roman's I will go elsewhere. There are many choices out there comparable to the Maldives. I have had friends go there and have a great time all the more power to them but I get to make MY choice for MY reasons. I have had people try to talk me into changing my mind :doh: I am pig headed sometimes. I will change my mind when the Government puts in place appropriate regulations for fill stations and dive operators that I think are reasonable. Since this is my self confessed personal bias and I do not try to tell others they shouldn't go there I have the right to decide what it will take to make me change my mind.
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