On September 6, 2023, a tragic incident unfolded at the well-known Ayuterra Resort in Bali.
An outdoor elevator, heavily featured and popular on Instagram, plummeted 300 feet into a ravine. The unfortunate event resulted in the deaths of five Indonesian resort workers, who were inside the elevator during the horrifying descent. Two of the victims lost their lives at the scene, while the remaining three succumbed to their injuries in the hospital.
The victims, two men and three women, were identified as Sang Putu Bayu Adi Krisna, 19, Wayan Aries Setiawan, 23, Ni Luh Supernigsih, 20, Kadek Hardiyanti, 24, and Kadek Yanti Pradewi, 19. All of them were part of the housekeeping team at the Ayuterra Resort.
Surveillance footage revealed the rapid descent of the lift, which authorities attributed to a weak steel rope and a malfunctioning brake. Concerningly, there was reportedly no emergency brake system in place, as initial inspections carried out in November 2022 had previously declared the elevator safe.
Bali’s Deputy Governor, Cok Ace, who also chairs the Hotel and Restaurant Association Bali, reviewed the hotel’s safety documents post-incident.
Following the accident, investigations were immediately launched, spearheaded by the Bali police. They are closely looking into the integrity of the elevator’s steel rope and the function of its safety systems. Notably, this incident has sparked a wider debate about worker rights and safety, especially in areas heavily frequented by tourists.
Guests staying at the resort during the time of the accident were relocated to other accommodations, ensuring their safety and allowing authorities to conduct a thorough investigation. Linggawati Utomo, the owner of the resort, has announced plans to cover the funeral costs for all five victims. Additionally, compensation of about $4,000 has been provided to the grieving families, under the condition that they would not pursue legal action against the resort.
The incident at Ayuterra Resort is a somber reminder of the importance of stringent safety measures, especially in the tourism industry. As visitors continue to flock to such destinations, the safety of both guests and workers remains paramount. Moreover, ensuring that all equipment and facilities meet the highest safety standards is crucial, not just for the sake of avoiding legal ramifications, but more importantly, for the lives and well-being of everyone involved.