Bali, we have a problem.
It seems like some people have an issue with roosters. Alright, many people have issues with roosters in Bali. Having roosters in Indonesia is a hobby and a lifestyle for many. Some of the roosters bring in some decent money to individuals and it is a noisy hobby but it has become a way of life for locals.
If one searches online, there are many complaints about Bali. Visitors to Bali come to enjoy this wonderful island but there is a catch. Okay, okay there are many. However, what has cropped up in the news in the past week was the complaints from an older American man about roosters. Now, this is not the first complaint nor will it be the last.
These complaints are often launched by visitors to Bali…
Why bother?
Well, in this case, this week an older American man raised hell because he could not sleep. This visitor has launched a petition to get rid of or dispense with the local rooster population. There are about 4 roosters across the street.
Are these bred to fight, reproduce and have more chicks or is this a hobby?
It makes no difference since the person launching this petition has zero rights in my humble opinion. It is natural, normal, and totally acceptable to have roosters all over Indonesia and Bali. So why bother raising a stink when one will leave in a few weeks and head back home to wherever?
Ugh, this old man.
What has happened is… The local immigration office from Jimbaran came and pretty much raided this location and checked all our papers in the complex. They asked all the right questions and questioned me in the process as well.
I have only been in this apartment for 5 days. I had no clue about the rooster problem but nevertheless, they had to question me. I had to get out all my paperwork and all my history of my Indonesian stay. On top of this, I had to explain my work, my whereabouts, and if I knew anything about this issue before moving in. I had to assure them that I didn’t and that I truly had no idea about this issue as this was a non-issue for me. So now we need to wait and see as there is a negotiation and mediation process that is about to take place. There are many foreigners in the building, even though this place is a rather small complex. Now there will be a mediation… more like a major pain in the ass all because of one arrogant, entitled, and rude idiot. I cannot believe how people can enter a country and want to change the tradition of the locals. Indonesia is not a place to head into to piss off the locals. I hope that this particular American does not get his way!
Zsolt Zsemba 