ANTARA Ensures Presence to Help Disseminate Benefits of Bali's Kura Kura Special Economic Zone

Denpasar (ANTARA) - The Indonesian National News Agency (LKBN ANTARA) has assured its presence to help disseminate the benefits arising from the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (SEZ). “ANTARA, TVRI, and RRI will ensure they become partners in amplifying positive news about the benefits of the SEZ for society, for Indonesia, the economy, culture, and Bali’s identity itself,” said the President Director of Perum LKBN ANTARA, Benny Siga Butarbutar, in Denpasar on Monday. Benny conveyed this while accompanying the Working Visit Reses of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), where in-depth discussions revealed many positive impacts from the government’s strategic project that have yet to be highlighted. After hearing various explanations, Benny found that the area in the middle of Serangan Island provides significant benefits in line with Balinese societal principles, not only economically but also in safeguarding the culture, character, and local identity. “So today, they (Commission VII DPR RI) sought assurances on how, from the central government’s perspective, to explain all the procedures and ensure they can be fulfilled, and also from the Kura Kura Bali investors explaining that they fully follow the procedures and rules applicable in Indonesia and specifically on the Island of the Gods,” he stated. The responses from those parties were accepted by the legislators, indicating that the zone’s development does not violate regulations but instead brings great potential for job opportunities for the local community. One of the infrastructures to be built, an international-standard marina, could even become a symbol of new modernisation that needs to be viewed from the perspective of its benefits. In addition, the central government is opening discussions on developing a special financial centre or International Financial Centre in the area. By amplifying information about the Kura Kura Bali SEZ in line with its development objectives, Bali’s opportunities to enhance tourism, particularly shifting from mass tourism to quality tourism, will be even greater. The local community that will feel the positive impacts on the 498-hectare land will increase, as various infrastructures are integrated in one zone, including tourism, education, health, and entertainment facilities. Nevertheless, Benny did not deny the existence of debates in the development of the Kura Kura Bali SEZ, positioning ANTARA to continue monitoring the unfolding issues. Deputy Chair of Commission VII DPR RI Evita Nursanty, who also led the working visit delegation, urged the three state institutions operating in information and broadcasting to remain actively involved in following the zone’s developments. “I think this development is ongoing, with only 15 percent of the land built so far, so it requires thorough preparation for the construction,” Evita said.