(11/30/2012)
Bali Daily (The Jakarta Post) reports that following the designation of the Mount Batur area at Kintamani as UNESCO Geopark a number of investors have expressed interest in project linked to the site.
The regent of Bangli the regency that includes Kintamani, Made Ginayar revealed to the press three candidate investors in the Batur Geopark location.
Said Gianyar: “The three investors have proposed three different types of investments. We are now considering which will be suitable for the area.”
One investor is interested in constructing a golf course on the slopes of Mount Batur, a second investor is seeking to commercially farm camelina flowers for use in the production of biofuels, and the third want to grow bamboo for use in creating bamboo products.
“Before issuing the permits, I have to discuss these proposals with the legislative council,” Gianyar said. The regent told the press that he most favored investors interested in agriculture or bamboo. Adding: “Investment in the agricultural sector is in line with the local community’s farming enterprises. I am hoping that this investor could help boost the local farmers’ living conditions. Meanwhile, the bamboo industry is expected to open new employment opportunities for the locals, while at the same time, it will also improve the area’s environmental condition.”
Bali native and Indonesian cabinet member Jero Wacik has come out publicly in support of a golf course project for Mt. Batur. Wacik, who comes from Kintamani and the Lake Batur area, is also chairman of the Indonesian Golf Association (PGI).
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