Sounds like the time is ripe for a little land reform at the sharp end of a sabit.

PC No its a diversion, but the central issue is valid. Bali is being destroyed and water rights are certainly a part. the major issue is zoning. Many foreigners want a "Rice field view" when they buy their dream. The dream becomes a nightmare when someone else builds a wall in front of the padi. Then it fucks it up for all. No view, No rice, no land, no heritage etc. It's a very delicate balance. IMHO.

I imagine absentee landlords owning a lot of property are a bad thing, and the developments are pretty insensitive. But without getting into that, I am wondering specifically about the water/swimming pool issue. Is this really a significant factor in the supply of water to irrigate rice fields? Is the problem that a lot of water is lost from pools as it evaporates? But wouldn't it also evaporate from a flooded rice field of the same area, hence no difference from previous land cover?

No, it has to stop. The development is destroying life for the Balinese and, in the process, destroying the beauty of the place which brought us all here in the first place. Some of us over 30 years ago. It's time to stop and take a new look at the big picture for the long term. Some of, perhaps most of, the developers and Agents here are like the nice folks who used to operate in Spain etc.

But of course the Indians and Chinese are much more attuned to and prepared the play the local rules and smooth the process. Another reason, IMHO, why this is a step backwards if Indonesia truly wants to reform. Still at issue of course.

CANGGU, Indonesia (AFP) - Villas are part of the latest building boom on the famous Indonesian holiday island of Bali, where homes for wealthy holidaymakers and expatriates are mushrooming across the bottle-green landscape. Some see the growth of the villas as a boon. Others such as Sukadana, who toils not far from a beach favoured by expats, see a threat to a way of life that stretches back hundreds of years.

Development Moratorium Exempts Projects Holding Permits Issued Prior to 2009. (4/11/2009) Kompas reports that following criticism and input from a number of sources inisting Bali's environment is under severe threat, the Provincial Government of Bali has decided to refuse new permits for hotels, homestays and new commercial villas in all regencies and cities on the island with effect from Wednesday, April 8, 2009.

You're talking your book, which is fine. Regarding Copper, if there is no new investment there is no new production and nothing new to ship, so it has to come from Chile? Regarding coal and mining in general, Western MNC Companies make LARGE investments, employ large numbers of people, put resources into training & deveopment and are honest tax payers. IMHO substituting Western investment for Indian and Chinese investment is not a sound strategic move, except at the margin.

Originally Posted By: Dontpanic 1. In SHARE terms, Indonesia continues to decline, losing out in particular to Chile, which has a more accomodating FDI regimen. perhaps, but transport costs from Chile to China or India would be much higher. many coal mines in Kalimantan have direct loading to barges or ships, then off they go to China/India. quite efficient. Originally Posted By: Dontpanic 2. Don't be mislead by the figures for "New" investment.