In a front page report published in the Bali Post on domination of the Island\u2019s tourism business by non-Balinese and titled
\n\u201cBali is Left the Task of Protecting Culture,\u201d saw prominent members of the local community voice their concerns and
\ndisappointment with the current state how Bali is governed.<\/p>\n
A free translation of that article follows.<\/p>\n
Bali is Left the Task of Protecting Culture<\/p>\n
Tourism in Bali is developing quickly with this small island becoming the largest source of foreign exchange in comparison to
\nother provinces in Indonesia. Sadly, the tourism shine has come off of the \u201cIsland of a thousand temples.\u201d Bali faces many
\nproblems, including an uncontrolled growth in accommodation that is detracting from the quality of its tourism product as Bali
\nbecomes a cheap destination.<\/p>\n
Just imagine that in 2011 the number of rooms in Bali stood at 62,000 - increasing 16,000 rooms from a total room count of
\n46,000 in 2009. This rapid growth in new rooms is estimated to reach a total room count of 80,000 in 2014. The resulting massive
\noversupply has left accommodation business operators unable project a positive return on their investments.<\/p>\n
What\u2019s more, the government is preparing to allow foreign nationals to own land in Indonesia via a revision of Government
\nRegulation Number 16 of 1996 on the ownership of private residences by foreign nationals resident in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
The Rector of Undiknas University, Professor Dr. Gede Sri Darma, DBA,, says the end result of this change in policy will pose a
\nfurther threat to the Balinese people who will own an increasing smaller share of the assets in strategic areas of Bali. In
\ntime, he warns, the Balinese will lose their identity. Adding: \u201cIn fact, that is the reality of the moment. We, as Balinese, are
\nleft to protect our culture, ensuring that it can continue to exist. We need to be aware that changes in our culture are
\nbrought directly by those migrating to Bali. Policies that are ambiguous are the reason that Balinese culture is being destroyed.\u201d<\/p>\n
Professor Darma claims, policies that allow foreigners to own property are one form of foreign direct investment among changes
\nbeing brought on by the ASEAN free trade zone of 2015.<\/p>\n
He continued claiming it has become difficult for the Balinese to safeguard their culture in the face of an onslaught of global
\ninfluences. \u201cCulture represents an agreement or shared perception of people (living in a locale). Therefore, if newcomers take
\npart in developing our culture, clearly Bali will loose its unique characteristic,\u201d said Darma.<\/p>\n
The chairman of the Association of Indonesian Tourist Villages (ADWI), Jro Mangku Kandia, sees the problems developing in Bali
\nas the outcome of government policies For this reason, he maintains that it is the government's responsibility to restore Bali
\ntourism to its original state.<\/p>\n
Kandia added: \u201cThe government must protect the Balinese. It\u2019s not only that accommodation is owned by foreigners, but also
\noutsiders hold jobs such as guides and hotel workers. Moreover, in Papua, a foreigner owns a ship that is rented to visitors.
\nThis is because we and the government are being inattentive.\u201d<\/p>\n
The ADWI chairman said the government must protect the people and help develop a home stay industry in cooperation with local
\nresidents in order that local population can become the focus of tourism and not only its long suffering victims.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think that providing tourism training at no charge the public will stop them from being merely the object of tourism but also
\nhelp them become tourism practitioners. If all policies only provide freer access to foreigners we will eventually be
\ndisplaced,\u201d said Kandia.<\/p>\n
Kandia said the solution to the problem is for the government to demonstrate greater loyalty to the people. \u201cOur people are
\nloyal to the government, but the government is acting badly towards the people,\u201d he complained.<\/p>\n
He said that all along Sanur Beach, Kuta and Nusa Dua the biggest share of these areas are now owned by outsiders. He contends
\nthat this is also the case with operators in Bali\u2019s handicraft industry, with most involved in this sector now coming from
\noutside Bali.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs much as possible, this situation needs be halted. Bali only reaps traffic jams, rubbish and other problems while the profits
\nof tourism are being taken away from the Island,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
He contends that the high rate of outside investment in Bali is to blame for this capital flight and its resulting loss to
\nBali\u2019s economy. Raw products for items produced in Bali and those who make them are now originating from areas outside of Bali<\/p>\n
\u201cWe are not opposed or allergic to outside investment, But Bali does not have a great need for outside labor. Many Balinese are
\nunemployed because of competition for jobs with non-Balinese,\u201d said Kandia.<\/p>\n
He concluded, saying capital flight can be prevented through certainty of law and a regulatory atmosphere that encourages
\ndomestic investment.<\/p>",
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"image": "balinese_woman.jpg"
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
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