Each action has consequences<\/p>\n
I read with interest the lead article in Sunday's edition of
\nThe Jakarta Post, (May 28, 2000) titled Govt must change tourism
\npolicy.<\/p>\n
I agree wholeheartedly with the statements in the article
\nabout the need for the government to change its policies in areas
\nsuch as health care, tourism, etc. Surely the government must
\nlead the way to ensure that Indonesia regains its status as a top
\ntourist destination.<\/p>\n
One of the major problems, it seems to me, is that so many
\npeople in Indonesia do not seem to understand the basic concept
\nthat each action by each individual has definite and predictable
\nconsequences. Dumping plastic and refuse in the gutters and in
\nthe rivers not only pollutes the environment and desecrates these
\nbeautiful islands, it also turns tourists away. Noise pollution
\nfrom overly-loud motorcycles, trucks and chain saws turns tourist
\naway. Violent protests turns tourist away. Greedy public servants
\nlooking for bribes certainly turns tourists away. I could, of
\ncourse, go on and on.<\/p>\n
The only way to change these behaviors is to educate the
\npublic about the consequences of their actions, and this can only
\nhappen as a result of education. If the housewife understood the
\nmultiple dangers of dumping household garbage in the rivers or in
\ngutters, she would change her behavior. Education must begin with
\na concerned government, which sponsors public education programs
\nfor the citizens. I have seen such education programs work in
\nother countries. In the U.S., the slogan "Pitch In" is seen often
\nin the media, and is accompanied by pictures of people disposing
\nof rubbish properly.<\/p>\n
I have talked to so many people about making Bali a "Tourist
\nFriendly Zone", which would involve teaching the entire
\npopulation that a few simple actions on the part of the citizens
\ncould make the visiting tourists much happier.<\/p>\n
People must be taught that actions have consequences, and the
\ngovernment and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can lead the
\nway in teaching everyone what those consequences are.<\/p>\n
DR. JAMES TAYLOR<\/p>\n
Ubud, Bali<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/each-action-has-consequences-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }