Does Bali really need US$83 million statue?

DENPASAR (JP): No word of objection was spoken and no protests were staged as government officials marked the beginning of construction for the colossal Garuda Wisnu Kencana statue on the Memedi hill top on June 8.

There was no heated polemic in the local newspapers, Bali Post and Nusa, like one that raged five years ago.

Critics of the would-be world's tallest statue seemed to run out of steam to voice the objections they have been raising since the government released its plan to build the Rp 200 billion (US$83 million) theme park.

The government came under attack last year for helping finance the statue with state companies' funds that had been earmarked to develop small business.

Some of the funds, accumulated from 1 percent to 2 percent of state companies' profits, were channeled to the project without the companies' approval.

Government and project officials have acknowledged that, although debate on the project is moot, not everyone in the tourist heaven of Bali is happy with the project.

They interpret the absence of open protest as a sign that critics will eventually begin to accept their argument that Bali needs to build the expensive "tourism landmark".

But the government and project officials are wrong.

"We still think the project is a misplaced priority and are silent because we have voiced our objection. There is no use in repeating it because the project is going ahead anyway," said Rio Helmi, a long time Bali resident and environmental activist.

Critics, mostly educated Balinese, are concerned by the project's impact on the environment, local culture and small business.

They say Bali does not need an expensive statue but basic public facilities such as more roads, water supply, public transport, irrigation and waste treatment systems.

Helmi said the project would be a huge additional burden on the environment of southern Bali.

"For example how they will get water for the lagoons and gardens that cover a vast area on the discarded limestone quarry?" he said.

With 30,000 hotel rooms and other tourist facilities, clean water is becoming a serious problem in the rapidly developing southern Bali. Much of the water is coming from central regencies like Tabanan.

The project will draw migrants from other areas who will worsen acute urban problems like traffic, waste management and housing.

"Which glory does this monument signify? It's not a religious symbol. And the colossal religious rite on the groundbreaking day did not necessarily show Hindus' support," he said.

Another critic, Putu Suasta, a builder, described the statue as a symbol of "new colonialism" by capitalists and those who had personal ambitions.

He said the initiators of the project were "megalomania" who did not understand Balinese culture, let alone their basic needs that are yet to be fulfilled, such as electricity and clean water.

The statute, he said, could offend Hindu values because it will be higher than the nearest temples, Pura Besakih and Uluwatu, about 15 kilometers away.

It is also higher than the average coconut tree, which -- like any other building or structure -- is improper according to Hindu beliefs, he said.

"Many people, including religious leaders, are opposed to the project but they chose to keep silent otherwise they will be branded anti-development -- an enigma that will bring unwanted consequences," he said.

"A lot of personal interests are involved in this," he said.

There are fears that the statue and supporting business and tourist facilities, which will be built in the second stage, will worsen inter-regional economic disparity in Bali.

Badung regency, where the project is located, is a magnet for locals wanting to work in Bali's best tourist spots.

"Soon less prosperous places like Karangasem, Buleleng and Bangli may demand similar statues to increase their revenues," said Putut Maruta, a taxi driver. (pan)