Entrance fee increases

Entrance fee increases

I am writing about the new regulation passed on Sept. 11, 2000
concerning a 200 percent rise in entrance fees to Torajan tourist
attractions and the addition of charges for tourists bringing
cameras or videos to the site. This regulation is known as Perda
Kabupaten Tana Toraja Nomor 11 Tahun 2000 and is due to come into
force on Jan. 1, 2001.

I have many problems with this regulation and how it was
formulated. I am concerned that the future of the Bupati (regent)
and the Town Council to consult with any representatives of the
tourism industry in Toraja has resulted in a seriously flawed
regulation. Clearly this additional charge will not represent a
problem for wealthy tourists whose trips are organized by travel
agencies (particularly foreign-owned companies), however I think
this price increase will have a significant impact on backpackers
and the local guides they employ.

I would like to remind the readers that the backpackers who
arrive in Toraja often have a bigger impact on the local economy
than those who book packages in their home countries, and are
often more concerned about social culture and environmental
issues. My eight years experience in this industry leads me to
expect two possible outcomes of this price increase:
1. Local guides will escort tourists to their traditional family
houses and graves to avoid the government designated sites. This
will lead to a considerable drain of resources from the local
government and the owners of the traditional sites and may have a
considerable impact on their maintenance; or
2. Alternatively, these extra charges may eat into the earnings
of struggling guides in a local climate of economic downturn.

This regulation needs to be renegotiated. I welcome input from
any of the involved parties.

D. PALUNGKUN

Advisor of Indonesian Guides Association

Tana Toraja