Bali’s position for tourism in Indonesia is between 25 to 30 percents. It means that Bali always carried huge burden. Moreover, all of tourism attractions gathered in Bali. It caused Bali’s tourism lost its soul.

This, as what had been delivered in a Tri Hita Karana Workshop at Bali Beach Sanur on Friday, December 4th yesterday. The event that was held as part of the 11th annual anniversary series events of Bali Travel News presented two speakers. They are formerly Environment Minister, Prof. Emil Salim and formerly Tourism and Cultural Minister, I Gede Ardika.

In a seminar moderated by A.A. Gede Raka Dalem, Emil Salim confessed his anxiety toward the pattern of tourism management in Indonesia especially in Bali. If we compare it with other countries in South East Asia, the amount of tourism visiting this country is faraway lost with Malaysia. With that small amount of tourism diversity still that country visited in a large number by foreign tourist. “What’s happen with this country,” he asked.

Not merely worried with Indonesia’ tourism condition. Environmental expert is also wandering related to the tourism management pattern in Bali. He saw the development of tourism in Bali didn’t have any clear character, according to its genuine potential that is religious, culture and nature. Bali’s tourism development today just looks like gado-gado – mixing vegetables – This can troubled the perpetuity of tourism sector in this thousand temples island. Since everything has already in Bali. It is starting from cultural tourism, shopping tourism, race tourism, etc. whereas in fact, it is not necessary to develop those kinds of things in Bali.

The development of this pattern is judged had erased Bali’s tourism characterization. If it doesn’t arranged soon, what Bali will become in the next 20 years. “We need to maintain the spirit of Bali tourism itself,” he affirmed.

He said, Bali already had nice culture, with society’s arrangement had been organized in banjar – the smallest society’s organization – it need to regular maintenance. Don’t let this kind of organization get extinct. Don’t let either banjar or subak disappear. Since the tourism characterization with its religious elements is clearly reflected in that environment.

Tourism destination in Bali designed in Denpasar, Kuta, Jimbaran, Nusa Dua, Tanah Lot, Sanur, no need addition anymore. If tourism destination not limited in Bali only, in the future Bali condition will has no difference with Singapore. “If it was like that, what kind of tourisms character will Bali carried later,” he asked.

Emil Salim conveyed that Bali’s tourism character is placed upon the Tri Hita Karana concept. This concept has already covered the balance of human relationship with God, society and environment. It makes the soul of Bali already clear, that is Tri Hita Karana.

Emil Salim asked the people and government in Bali not to damage Bali’s nature merely for commercial purpose. Don’t make the unique scenery in Bali closed with building and villa which is becoming more and more excessive. If that kind of unique and beautiful view is built restaurant on it, then people who want to enjoy the natural beauty of that scenery can’t enjoy it since there is obstacle before them.

Emil Salim also regretted the tourism in this country which still has no appropriate branding to tempt the tourist visit this country. Branding existence has a crucial role in evoking tourists visiting rate into their tourism area. As for Malaysian branding with it’s “truly Asia” in fact give positive impact for their tourism development.

Meanwhile I Gede Ardika conveyed Bali tourism development should be seen from its holistic aspect. Starting from economic, social, cultural, security and environment. Don’t pointing everything in dollar only. Furthermore toward the old concept in Bali, that is Tri Hita Karana, it should be implemented in tourism development.

Ardika said the concept of Tri Hita Karana had been used in both in national and international level. As in the Tourism Bill, with the concept of balance in life for tourism development base in the future.

News by Bali Post