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