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