Kuta is well known as the center of the New Year’s Eve celebration in Bali, besides Puputan Park or other famous public venues. However, in the area of Kuta, the celebration is usually more crowded and lively. Therefore, for anticipating total congestion or traffic jam, Bali Police Department assisted by related parties like pecalang or beach guards had conducted some road closure and route diversion in the area of Kuta and Legian. That was done to prevent severe congestion which usually happens in Kuta in New Year’s Eve especially in Jalan Pantai Kuta and Legian. The road closure and route diversion were started at 14.00 until the next day.
Some of the access closure and route diversion could be seen in Jalan Dewi Sri and Kartika Plaza which were closed and diverted to Jalan Singasari, Jalan Ciung Wanara, Simpang Bemo Correr, Jalan Setia Budi, Dewa Ruci Intersection to Jalan Imam Bonjol or By Pass Ngurah Rai. For the route from Seminyak to Legian, it was closed and diverted to Jalan Sriwijaya, Jalan Jelantik, Jalan Dewi Sri, until Jalan Sunset Road. Route from Dewa Rucci Intersection to Jalan Setia Budi was also closed and diverted to Jalan By Pass Ngurah Rai heading to Nusa Dua Area and Jalan Imam Bonjol heading to Jalan Teuku Umar. Meanwhile, route from Jalan Sunset Road to Jalan Nakula was also closed and diverted to Jalan Sunset Road – Dewa Ruci Intersection – By Pass Ngurah Rai. For the tourists from outside Kuta who want to spend New Year’s Eve in Kuta Beach, some parking areas had been provided such as in Kuta Central Park.
Some time ago, there was an issue of firecrackers and fireworks prohibition in New Year’s Eve, but that issue was not implemented. Therefore, the visitors of Kuta Beach could set off firecrackers or fireworks. However, people were still prohibited to set off firecrackers and fireworks around hotels, house, or settlements. Firecrackers and fireworks were only allowed in the area of Kuta Beach. That prohibition was implemented because firecrackers and fireworks were feared resulting accidents such as fire and explosion. In fact, a few years ago, a vehicle was burnt by fire from fireworks. Although firecrackers and fireworks are allowed in Kuta Beach, fireworks sellers were not allowed to sell their stuffs around Kuta Beach.
In the afternoon before the New Year’s Eve, a flock of people had thronged the area of Kuta Beach. Thousands of people both citizens and tourists could be seen flooding this famous beach. The access for Kuta Beach which is usually full of vehicles looked very different because of the road closure and route diversion. Jalan Pantai which is usually passed by many bikes and cars was passed by people who diffused and thronged the area of Kuta Beach and its surroundings. Although they jostled on the road heading for Kuta Beach, they still looked enthusiastic in welcoming the new year. As the night approached, thousands and even maybe millions of people celebrated the moment of year transition along the coast of Kuta. Together, they waited the countdown to the new year. In this 2012 to 2013 year transition, people looked enthusiastic wearing accessories and glowing lamp decorations. The sounds of trumpet and fireworks also enlivened the atmosphere of the Dragon Year into Snake Year transition. Fortunately, the weather was friendly and clear enough at that night, after rain on some areas in the afternoon. Regardless of the rain, the atmosphere of euphoria and joy shown by these people were great. Right when the clock struck 24.00, the atmosphere was getting lively by the launching of thousands fireworks in various variants decorating the night sky. The forms and the lights of the fireworks which were colorful and spectacular made the people celebrated in enthusiasm. After that, the atmosphere still continued and some people were seen continuing their party until morning.
That was the report of New Year’s Eve in Kuta area which was so crowded and lively. finally, we would like to say HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all!