Pastika's Political Platform for Bali's Future

(2/16/2008)

As reported on Balidiscovery.com, former Bali police Chief, General Made Mangku Pastika is the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) candidate for governor of Bali. [See: Made Pastika Named PDI-P's Man to Run for Bali Governor]

A recent article in the Bali Post provides insights into the hopes and ambitions held by the man who may become Bali's next chief executive.

Bali - Progressive, Safe, Peaceful & Prosperous

Pastika told the Bali Post that his vision and mission for Bali is to lead an island that is "progressive, safe, peaceful and prosperous." To achieve this, said Pastika, his administration would concentrate on communication and networking.

Pastika expressed his concern for the current condition of the Island; citing the mushrooming of "Kafes" that now includes locations in local village settings. (Editor's note: "Kafes" in Bali are small bars and restaurants, often serving as fronts for prostitution.) Chief Pastika also said poverty and unemployment must be a main concern of Bali's next governor.

Using the self-created acronym of "Mandara" = Maju, Aman, Damai & Sejahtera – Pastika said he seeks to create an island that is "progressive, safe, peaceful and prosperous."

In detailing his vision in more detail, Pastika explained:

- Progressive: Bali must keep pace with the development without losing touch with the unique character of Balinese culture.

- Safe: Bali must create a region imbued with safety, tranquility and security.

- Peaceful: An Island in which conflicts – both on a vertical and horizontal level - are minimized.

- Prosperous: Creating an island where the people's welfare is enhanced with adequate educational opportunities, public health, food sufficiency and housing opportunities.

Pastika also stressed that his plans call for reducing unemployment as a means to eliminate poverty in Bali's villages. He told the Bali Post that the Island possesses great potential, a precious asset to both Indonesia and the world.

To achieve the "Mandara" envisioned by Pastika, he sees as a minimum requirement the improvement of communications and networking on all levels. To this end, Pastika plans to hold "open house" events if he is elected Governor. Such events will facilitate the people's aspirations through open and transparent communication with the government.

Most importantly, the interests of the people must be given priority. Said Pastika: "I think the government can no longer be bureaucracy-oriented but must become people-oriented. People must be put first."