In a recent swirl of discussions, both Bali governor candidates have shared their perspectives on the incendiary comments made by the newly appointed President of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, during his inaugural visit to Bali this past weekend.
The Impact of Presidential Promises on Bali’s Future
During this visit, President Subianto announced plans for the North Bali International Airport, suggesting that this development would transform Bali into the “new Singapore or Hong Kong” of Southeast Asia. Such ambitious claims have sparked heated debates among the island’s residents and leaders, who are concerned about potential threats to Bali’s unique cultural landscape and heritage.
Meet the Candidates: Who’s Running for Bali Governor?
The upcoming Bali gubernatorial election is set for November 27th, with two primary candidates: Made Muliawan Arya—affectionately known as De Gajah—and the incumbent, Wayan Koster, who is seeking to serve another term.
Arya partners with Putu Agus Suradnyana, while Koster is united with I Nyoman Giri Prasta, the current Regent of Badung. With both candidates vying for the affections of Balinese voters, they each have a unique vision of Bali’s future.
The Concerns Over Cultural Integrity
In the wake of Subianto’s statements, many academics and tourism industry leaders in Bali have expressed deep concerns about the potential implications for Balinese culture, the environment, and the local community. The idea of Bali emulating cities like Singapore and Hong Kong fills many with apprehension that the island’s cultural essence and lush landscapes could be sacrificed.
Arya’s Clarifications and Vision
Arya has taken to the media to clarify the President’s remarks, suggesting they were misinterpreted. “What the President meant was the North Bali International Airport will be comparable to the scale of Hong Kong and Singapore’s airports, not that Bali itself would transform into a bustling metropolis akin to these city-states,” he remarked.
For instance, Arya noted that while the concept of modernization is appealing, he is adamant that the heart and soul of Balinese culture will not be compromised. In conversations, he mentioned, “We can certainly learn from Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of neat planning and cleanliness, but that does not mean we will lose our unique identity.”
Koster’s Support with Caution
On the other hand, Wayan Koster acknowledged President Subianto’s ambitious vision. At the same time, he pointed out the vital missing links in infrastructure that currently inhibit the realization of the North Bali International Airport. “We’ve been laying the groundwork for this project since my first term as governor. However, there is much more to be done,” Koster mentioned.
He emphasized that the plans must be methodical and organized to avoid creating a “political hype” without any tangible outcomes. Koster is proud of the long-term vision he has prepared for the project, ardently stating, “We have looked a hundred years ahead in our planning for Bali, ensuring that cultural values remain at the forefront.”
A Community First Approach
This proposed development aligns with the overarching goal of building Bali sustainably, ensuring that while growth occurs, it does not come at the cost of the island’s cultural integrity. Both candidates, despite their differing views on the President’s comments, share a common goal: to elevate Bali while preserving its cherished identity. How they navigate this will greatly impact the lives of Balinese residents.
As the people of Bali prepare to cast their votes, the evolution of these discussions may shape the future of the island. The dialogue surrounding tourism, culture, and infrastructural development is more than just political rhetoric; it’s about the Balinese identity blending seamlessly with modernization. The upcoming days will certainly be pivotal in determining Bali’s path forward.
