Seribu Islands and tourism plan

Seribu Islands and tourism plan

From Media Indonesia

The plan to make 45 of the 105 islands in the Seribu Islands
chain north of Jakarta into a tourist area came as a shock to the
island communities. The plan emerged following a panel
discussion, without the participation and support of the local
communities.

Attention must paid to natural and human resources as well as
environmental problems when it comes to tourism. In this context
the Communications Forum of Social and AIDS Problems (Fokusmas
AIDS) would like to contribute their opinions regarding the plan.

* The four villages in the Seribu Islands district should be
given due attention in developing the area.

* The local community should be involved in the whole process:
planning, operation, development and evaluation activities.

* Manpower recruitment should as far as possible include the
local community.

* The local people should be included in the training program
either in terms of formal training in tourism and marine science
or through short courses.

* We all are responsible for preservation of the environment.
The marine life must be protected from the destructive industrial
waste coming from the Jakarta area. The use of explosives for
fishing is detrimental to marine life and sanctions must be
imposed on those found guilty of violating regulations.

NYOMAN SUARTANU

Head of Fokusmas AIDS

Jakarta