Transportation & Cleanliness are Fundamental to Bali

(5/29/2007)

Indonesia's former Minister of Culture and Tourism, I Gede Ardika, has labeled transportation as one of the most fundamental challenges facing Bali tourism in the future.

Speaking to the Indonesian-language Nusa Bali, Ardika described Bali's current transportation system as "stagnant." Ardika explained, "Bali must develop rapid mass transportation – such as electric trains, an expansion of the airport and the development of an international cruise port."

Information Technology

In comments made at a meeting of the Bali chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) on May 19, 2005, Ardika also said that Bali needs to develop information technology. "Bali must become an intelligent island with a super information backbone; an island which develops information technology," said Ardika.

Citing the close linkage between knowledge-based tourism and quality tourism - Ardika emphasized the need to develop information technologies on Bali. At the same time, Ardika called on the tourism industry to sharpen its analytical skills and data collection capabilities.

Calls for More Attention to be Paid to Kuta Beach

Ardika told the hoteliers that current condition of Bali's famous Kuta beach saddens him and asked local tourism practitioners to urge the Regent of Badung, Anak Agung Gde Agung, to pay more attention to Bali's world famous shoreline. The former Minister asked where the public toilets built in earlier times to serve tourist had gone and bemoaned the accumulation of garbage along the shoreline.

Ardika urged Kuta beach to follow the example of Sanur beach where a mechanism for keeping the beach tidy is in place and public restrooms have been built.

A Call to be More Critical

Ardika told the PHRI members to never hesitate to be more critical of the government in matters relating to cleanliness, hygiene and health surrounding tourism objects. The former minister said hotel operators must have the courage to complain to the government in order to ensure toilet facilities are available and garbage collection system are in place to preserve the cleanliness and reputation of Bali's beaches.