Moving Bali

Moving Bali

From Suara Karya

I read in the Kompas daily on March 3, 1996, that there is a Bali Village project in A Kung Tien, South Taiwan. It was built by Kung, whose mother comes from Surabaya, East Java. About 80 artists and craftsmen were recruited from Bali. There were also waiters and shop assistants. The aim of the Bali Village project is to present the art and culture of Balinese life. Visitors to the complex are charged Rp 32,000 each. On average the village attracts 20,000 visitors a month, and during the Imlek (Chinese New Year) month, it attracted 60,000 visitors. The Bali Village project in Taiwan is a great success, and the country is now engaging in Irian Jaya and Kalimantan villages.

This success story reminds me of Batam Island which is very close to Singapore (only 20 minutes by ferry). Batam could be very attractive to Singaporean tourists. Would it not be feasible to build a grander Bali Village on Batam Island? I strongly believe that it would be profitable. Singaporean tourists might prefer going to Batam than spending a heap of money and time traveling to Bali. If I were rich I would build the Bali village in Batam myself.

Thailand has Rose Garden entertainment center near Bangkok. In this center a visitor can see all aspects of Thai life. Each day the center is visited by many people. Why don't we do the same on Batam Island?

SUHARSONO HADIKUSUMO

Jakarta