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