Java-Bali bridge plan opposed

DENPASAR, Bali: Local leaders in Bali expressed their opposition to the planned construction of a bridge connecting the province with Java, saying that the connection would have adverse consequences for the island.

Former rector of the state-run Bali Hindu Religious Institute, I Made Titib, said during a meeting with members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Saturday that should the bridge be built it would disrupt cultural stability in the predominantly Hindu province.

"If the bridge will only have an adverse effect and speed up the destruction of local culture, then the plan must be dropped," he said.

Earlier, Governor Dewa Beratha said that the construction of the bridge was contrary to what the Balinese wanted. -- Antara