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.