Each action has consequences

Each action has consequences

I read with interest the lead article in Sunday's edition of The Jakarta Post, (May 28, 2000) titled Govt must change tourism policy.

I agree wholeheartedly with the statements in the article about the need for the government to change its policies in areas such as health care, tourism, etc. Surely the government must lead the way to ensure that Indonesia regains its status as a top tourist destination.

One of the major problems, it seems to me, is that so many people in Indonesia do not seem to understand the basic concept that each action by each individual has definite and predictable consequences. Dumping plastic and refuse in the gutters and in the rivers not only pollutes the environment and desecrates these beautiful islands, it also turns tourists away. Noise pollution from overly-loud motorcycles, trucks and chain saws turns tourist away. Violent protests turns tourist away. Greedy public servants looking for bribes certainly turns tourists away. I could, of course, go on and on.

The only way to change these behaviors is to educate the public about the consequences of their actions, and this can only happen as a result of education. If the housewife understood the multiple dangers of dumping household garbage in the rivers or in gutters, she would change her behavior. Education must begin with a concerned government, which sponsors public education programs for the citizens. I have seen such education programs work in other countries. In the U.S., the slogan "Pitch In" is seen often in the media, and is accompanied by pictures of people disposing of rubbish properly.

I have talked to so many people about making Bali a "Tourist Friendly Zone", which would involve teaching the entire population that a few simple actions on the part of the citizens could make the visiting tourists much happier.

People must be taught that actions have consequences, and the government and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can lead the way in teaching everyone what those consequences are.

DR. JAMES TAYLOR

Ubud, Bali