Foreign tourism enjoys a comeback

Foreign tourism enjoys a comeback

As one of the immediate impacts of the Sept. 11 tragedy in New
York, over a million foreign tourists reportedly canceled their
plans to visit Indonesia, causing disastrous effects to the
tourist industry and empty hotel rooms throughout the country.

Now, being in Bali for the holidays, I was pleasantly
surprised to see many foreign tourists roaming the streets,
dining in restaurants and shopping in the sidewalk stalls in Kuta
and Ubud. Here is an instance which demonstrates that
individuals, regardless of nationality and creed, are alike in
their search for leisure and enjoyment; undeterred by the
warnings of their governments.

A most pleasing sight is how the foreigners walk leisurely and
confidently in their Bali-style tourist gear, even at night,
through the streets flanked by restaurants and gift shops.

While in Ubud, I found my visit to Agung Rai Museum of Arts
(ARMA) and other galleries set amid beautiful gardens most
rewarding. In the continuous efforts to create new attractions to
cater to foreign tourists, leading local entrepreneurs involved
in the tourist industry will on Dec. 29 hold a cultural event,
featuring an exhibition of post-modern Balinese paintings,
alongside traditional ones.

This must be a challenging and daring new venture. But the co-
existence between age-old tradition and the new must be a precept
of the law of nature. Reportedly more than five hundred guests
from government circles, academicians and cultural groups are
invited.

When the entrepreneurs of the tourist industry have done their
part toward bolstering tourism, now the question arises what is
the government doing, that is the Ministry of Tourism, in like
activities?

S. SUHAEDI

Ubud, Bali