JP/18/CHILE

JP/18/CHILE

Bali, a major gateway for Chilean tourists, businesses Rita A. Widiadana The Jakarta Post/Sanur Only weeks before the Oct. 1, 2005 bombing tragedy in Kuta and Jimbaran, the Chilean government opened its honorary consulate office here in Bali. A sense of optimism still filled the atmosphere.

On a relaxed Saturday morning in a Sanur villa office, Chile's Ambassador to Indonesia James Sinclair Manley and Honorary Consul of Chile in Bali Bernard Haymos talked to The Jakarta Post in connection with the opening of the consulate office, which coincided with the 40th anniversary of Indonesian-Chilean diplomatic relations.

"We chose Bali because the island has been a very attractive tourist destination," the ambassador said while sipping coffee.

Dressed in a colorful beach shirt, the envoy looked casual. "When we talk about Indonesia in Chile, Bali has always been the central picture for many people in my country," he said.

"I first came here in l997 for a brief visit and I was so impressed by the island's beauty and culture," he recalled.

Once a faraway tropical island located thousands of miles away from Chile, Bali is beginning to attract a lot more Chilean tourists and businesses especially after the country's airline Lan Chile opened a direct flight from Santiago-Auckland (New Zealand)-Sydney (Australia).

"Before (we opened the new route), we had to fly almost 70 hours from Santiago to any Asian country. Before we arrived here, we would be lost somewhere in any European country," Sinclair quipped.

The new route has enabled Chileans to travel to Bali and other parts of Indonesia through Sydney on a 21-hour flight. The distance between Bali and Santiago has become shorter now," he added.

The Chilean government through Lan Chile, he said, is considering examining the terms of a prorate agreement with Garuda Indonesia in order to expand its routes and to increase tourist numbers to both countries.

"We are going to have a political consultation in Santiago in the near future about this agreement," Sinclair said.

Under such an agreement, Lan Chile will cooperate with Garuda Indonesia to transport passengers from Chile and other Latin American countries from Sydney to other destinations in Indonesia including Bali, Jakarta and Surabaya.

For Bali, which desperately needs to the boost the tourist industry following the recent bomb attacks, the hike in fuel prices and the current economic conditions, penetrating new markets including Latin America, Russia and Northern Europe is imperative.

"Chile could become an open door for Bali/Indonesia to reach other major Latin American countries such as Argentina, Brazil and Peru and vice versa," said Sinclair. Visa free

What's more important, he said, both Indonesia and Chile have signed a visa-free agreement meaning that Indonesians and Chileans traveling to both countries need not apply for a visa for a 60-day visit. Businessmen are required to obtain a business visa.

"So, as we have tourists coming here, businessmen coming to Bali; we are trying to build a bridge to connect Chile and Indonesia by opening the honorary consulate office here," the envoy added.

Chile is interested in importing handicrafts, furniture and wooden products from Bali.

Currently, the country is planning to import natural gas from Indonesia.

"This is a new opportunity for Balinese handicraft and furniture producers to expand their market to Chile and other Latin American countries," Haymos said.

A number of local producers have been visiting the country for promotional efforts.

During the second Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Ocean Related Ministerial meeting here in Nusa Dua last September, the Indonesian and Chilean governments represented by Indonesian Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Freddy Numbery and Chilean Undersecretary of Fisheries Hector Felipe Sandoval signed an agreement to develop the seaweed industry in Indonesia.

"Indonesia has huge potential. We have 1.11 million hectares of land (coastal area) for the development of seaweed, yet our production is still very low at only 3.9 million kilograms," Minister Numbery said.

Chile has been successful in developing seaweed and other marine products including fresh seafood and fish food. Chile and Peru are the major exporters of fish food to Indonesia. The country also exports wine.

Indonesia and Chile have to explore more opportunities in the fields of trade, commerce and industry, including tourism," added Haymos.

Haymos, who has been living in Bali for more than 17 years, explained that businessmen from Chile and other Latin American countries are looking forward to closely co-operating with local businesses.

The consulate office, he said, would provide all the information needed. "We also want to enhance cultural cooperation between the two countries," he said. For more information, please contact: Embassy of Chile, Bina Mulia Bldg, 7th Floor, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Kav X, phone 62-21 2525021/1982, fax 62-21 5201955, e-mail: emchijak@indosat.net.id, Honorary Consulate of Chile in Bali, Jl. Pengembak Gg. 1 No.3, Sanur 80827, phone ; 62-361 281503; fax: 62-361 285216 e-mail: chilehonconsulate@bali-villa.com.