Beratha Asks Half of Japan's Tourism Aid

(1/27/2003)

During a recent visit to Japan, Bali's Governor Dewa Made Beratha asked that 50% of a planned US$ 20 million grant promised by the Japanese Government to assist Indonesia's tourism recovery be allocated to Bali.

Traveling in Japan on a goodwill mission with Indonesia's Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika, Bali's Governor welcomed plans by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to provide financial grants to Indonesian tourism including the financing of a detailed revision of Bali's Master Plan in order to give priority to culture preservation in the future development of the Island's tourism. JICA have also asked that the money be used to accommodate the needs of Japanese tourists visiting Bali.

Greater Emphasis on Security

Following the October 12^th terror attacks on a Bali nightspot, the Government has allocated Rp. 10 billion (approximately US$ 1.1 m) for improving security measures at the Island's gateways.

Meanwhile, police presence in Bali is at an all time high with a ratio of one officer to every 315 residents. This compares to a nationwide ratio of 1:1000, with both numbers comparing favorably with United Nation's recommended policing levels of 1:1000.