Don't turn Bali into Aceh

Don't turn Bali into Aceh

From Kompas

A rich country, Indonesia is endowed with plenty of natural
resources and beautiful beaches. The traditions of our different
ethnic groups are fascinating. I have visited almost all
provinces from the western tip of the archipelago to the eastern
end. I found that everything was spectacular.

It is not surprising that a lot of foreign tourists want to
enjoy the exotic-ness of our country. However, sadly enough, we
lack the capacity to manage and maintain these assets properly.
The national parks, our large rivers and the under-sea heritage,
the pristine beaches, cultures, the historical artifacts and the
tourist objects are poorly kept.

Many other countries in the world also have tourist
attractions, but they cannot be compared to Indonesia. Many of
these countries have yet to work in this particular area in order
to get tourists to visit.

With Indonesia's bad management of its assets, no wonder the
people remain poor. Bali, for example -- known as the Island of
the Gods -- is the second-biggest contributor to the state in
terms of foreign exchange after oil and natural gas.

However, the government lacks competence to manage these
tremendous assets properly. That Bali has had to experience bomb
attacks twice is clear evidence of our weakness in security
matters. These calamities have dampened the people's spirit, and
helped ruin the country's economy.

Perhaps security in Bali should be placed in the hands of the
private sector, or foreign agencies to ensure professionalism? Or
should Bali be given a special autonomous status like Aceh or
Papua?

To find an excuse for its incompetence in maintaining
security, the government notes that even advanced countries
cannot escape from becoming terrorists' targets. It should also
note that only a stupid ass stumbles into the same hole for the
third time.

H ROOSADHY
Tangerang, Banten