Would autonomy be better for Bali?
Bali is a unique island in Indonesia, both culturally and economically. Its 3 million inhabitants follow the Hindu religion, have an over abundance of arts and crafts and generate almost half the tourism revenue of the whole country.
The arguments for making Bali autonomous are similar to the ones for Scotland’s independence. Emotion is tied to the cultural identity and of course local officials start to lick their lips at the thought of $2.5b coming their way instead of Jakarta.
In the past I have argued with other foreigners that Balinese people see themsleves as Balinese first and Indonesian second. Testing that out on a few people I found the reverse was true. Of course whenever a conflicts with Java or any other part of the country comes up its all about being Balinese again. No different from us westerners.
A recent article in FT.com points to some Balinese asking the question again, if Bali would be better off as as autonomous state. My thought are that the Indonesian government should start to realize how lucky they are to have Bali. You have an entirely unique culture and landscape, tremendous tourism infrastructure and world class surfing, that generates massive revenue. That needs to be protected and nurtured, not just from terrorists, but from greedy developers and the Balinese themselves, who smell money and stoop to greed. Too often a landscape piece of the island will be ruined by idiots putting up ugly grey brick fences and buildings. Shit boxes is what I call them, because they turn a beautiful view into crap. Pollution, corruption and mindless development are worse than terrorsim in the long run.
Bali doesn’t need autonomy, it needs proper guidance.
By Nick | Permalink
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Comments
If terrorism is the major problem, then we need to look to law enforcement for the answers’s. i believe that an all Balines Polisi Force should be formed. This force would still be ubnder control of the National Polisi but would consist og balnes natives. This is a form of community policing that works in other countries. The traditional BEAT COP was effective because he ate, drank and slept in his precint. We know from our experience with the Banjar that they have a better handle on who is local and who is a stranger so we should follow their lead.
G’Day Nick,
I tend to agree with you on this matter. Besides, I couldn’t see the Indo Govt granting autonomy and losing its best money-spinner.
Something like a Daerah Istemewa would (Special District be good. So it would be DIB - Daerah Istemewa Bali. What good this will do for the island I am unsure of but it would be an improvement!. Don’t know how but it looks good eh.
Fantastic new look on the site mate. A marked improvement. Best wished on it mate.