Buleleng need selective investment if it is to survive
Buleleng need selective investment if it is to survive
BULELENG, North Bali (Antara): For the sake of environmental sustainability in Buleleng district, Bali, the district administration should be more selective in which investment projects it allows in the area, a legislator said.
"If an investment project proves to be damaging to the environment here, the district administration must quickly stop it," said the chairperson of the Buleleng legislative assembly, Sudarmadja Duniaji, on the occasion of a working visit by Bali Governor Dewa Made Beratha.
This does not mean the district legislative assembly does not approve of investment in Bali, he said, adding that investment was badly needed to spur the economic growth of the local community.
The district administration must take firm action against any investment projects, including the construction of tourism infrastructure and facilities, if they adversely affect the local environment, he said.
"We are keen on seeing Buleleng as a really natural tourist resort, with well-maintained environmental sustainability and balance. To this end, the government must be very selective in allowing investors to invest in Buleleng," Sudarmadja said.
Regarding an investment project covering some 300 hectares near Tamblingan Lake and the surrounding forest area, he said he supported the district administration's step to recommend that the forestry ministry review the permit it had issued.
Moreover, he added, the Bali provincial administration has agreed that along with the Buleleng district administration, it will study investment proposals submitted on the basis of permits issued by the forestry ministry.
"In principle, we reject any investment which will damage the environment, particularly in the Tamblingan Lake and forest areas as these places are designated for tourism purposes," he said, adding that this stance would apply to both domestic and foreign investors.
Earlier, Buleleng district head I Ketut Wiratha Sindhu said the district administration was committed to keeping Tamblingan Lake and forest areas intact as a tourist resort with well- maintained environmental sustainability and balance.
"I don't want to see the application of technology in the Tamblingan Lake and forest areas. Tourist spots in these areas must be managed naturally without resorting to modern technology, as it is feared that the use of technology will only disrupt the environmental sustainability and balance of the area," he noted.
Investors wishing to develop their tourist-related businesses in Buleleng district with technological support are advised to stay away from Tamblingan Lake and the forest area in Munduk village, Sukasada subdistrict.
"We hope Tamblingan Lake and the forest areas will remain naturally intact as a tourist resort, as the area is still free from man's interference," Wiratha added.