(11/2/2009)
The October 29, 2009, edition of The Bali Post carried an interview with Professor W. Ramantha, the Dean of the Economic Faculty at Bali Udayana University. Here is our translation of Professor Ramantha's comments.
The Interview: Professor W. Ramantha – Dean of Economics Faculty, Udayana University, Bali.
Bali Post: Tourism remains the backbone of Bali's economy. What will be the condition in the future.
Prof. Ramantha: For several years to come, tourism will be the foundation of a number of economic activities. What's more, in the past two years there's been rapid development in tourism. This means that this sector must be protected well to guarantee it can continue to make an even larger contribution in the future.
Bali Post: What do you mean?
Prof. Ramantha: Tourism cannot be exploited without accompanying efforts to retain and enhance its attractiveness. Because, if there are no repairs, eventually the tourists will become bored. Moreover, if we're not careful tourism can even decline. Let's not forget that tourism in Bali in addition to being dependent on nature is also reliant on the environment, arts and culture.
Bali Post: How do we do this?
Prof. Ramantha: One effort should be plowing back some of the proceeds from tourism to create stronger tourism industry in the future. There must be reinvestment in tourism, both in tourism services as well in the manpower working in the tourism sector.
Bali Post: What about other sectors?
Prof. Ramantha: Actually, Bali has the potential to develop its economy outside of the tourism sector. To do this will require time. For example, the agricultural sector which is under pressure from decreasing land resources will need new breakthroughs in technology, new seeds and create a higher rate of return from the marketplace.
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