Much Ado About Danau Buyan

(1/31/2009)

Bali newspapers are awash with a fierce debate regarding the future use of Lake Buyan in the Buleleng District of North Bali. Badly affected by sedimentation, tourism development and increasing levels of pollution the regency's Bupati has reportedly formally recommended an investment proposal from a local company, PT Anantara, who have plans to dredge the lake's bottom, build a floating stage for paid entertainment programs, and manage a 900 hectare area to be operated as natural reserves, nature walks and tourist accommodation.

The reaction to the proposed development scheme that will provide revenues for the regency's government, has earned rapid and vociferous opposition from many walks of Balinese society who question the transparency of the proposal process, the possibility of worsening environmental damage and concerns that a floating stage would somehow violent the sacred nature of the lake in the Bali-Hindu cosmos.

Both Bali's governor Made Mangku Pastika and Buleleng’s Bupati Bagiada have reacted indignantly to suggestions that their actions seeking to preserve Lake Buyan fail to adequately consider the special place the lake has in the hearts of the Balinese people. Pastika has told the press that the entire matter is under study and that all parties are free to express concerns and opinions, but in the end something definite will have to done to reverse the rapidly deteriorating condition of Lake Buyan, Pastika has warned the public that if something is not done soon, the entire lake will cease to exists under the forces of sedimentation within 10 years.