Oh, Bali! One of the world’s gems where the sunsets have a tendency to steal the show…and now, apparently, the presidential candidates want to steal the spotlight too! The article kicks off with some rather grandiose plans by Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto – a statement that would make even a seasoned tour operator raise an eyebrow.
He’s not just talking about a fresh coat of paint on existing airports – oh no! He’s got sights set on transforming Bali into the “new Singapore or Hong Kong of Southeast Asia.” You know, just your usual comment for a casual weekend visit. “Hi, nice to meet you, I’ll take this beautiful island and turn it into a bustling metropolis, thanks!” Because that’s what every beach-loving soul wants: crowded city vibes with a sprinkle of Balinese charm.
Bali’s got two candidates vying for the title of governor, Made Muliawan Arya (or De Gajah, which translates to ‘The Elephant’ – and trust me, we’ll get back to that later) and Wayan Koster, the showstopper who’s already had a term and probably a solid collection of “I’m here for a good time, not a long time” shirts. It’s less of a political race and more of a local talent show, complete with over-the-top promises.
Now let’s address Arya, shall we? He’s trying to do damage control faster than a Balinese dancer can perform a leg kick, insisting that the President’s comments were taken out of context – “He meant the airport would be as busy as Hong Kong and Singapore, folks, not the entire island!” Good luck fitting that in a soundbite, mate. I mean, the last time I checked, turning an entire island into a mega-city is a rather hefty task—almost as challenging as trying to find a parking space in Kuta!
Koster, on the other hand, seems to have a more laid-back approach. He’s praising the President’s vision but is quick to funnel in the reality check: “We don’t even have the infrastructure in place to build this airport!” It’s like planning a lavish wedding without a venue. “I’ve got the cake, my friend, but please don’t ask where the party is going to be!”
This isn’t just an airport project we’re talking about; local academics, cultural leaders, and tourists alike are biting their nails over what the “Bali transformation” could mean for their beloved local culture. You’ve got professors and tourism leaders waving red flags as if they’re at a San Francisco Giants game – and who can blame them? If a new airport means that Bali becomes a carbon copy of high-rise Singapore with traffic lights, I bet local ceremonies will soon be supplemented with drive-thru prayers.
Let’s not overlook De Gajah’s cheeky remark about learning from Singapore and Hong Kong in terms of ‘neatness and cleanliness’. Because nothing says “I respect your culture” quite like comparing your sacred temples to a shopping mall’s restroom policy. Who wouldn’t want their lush rice paddies turned into shopping districts with all-you-can-eat buffets?
Ultimately, if you thought this political spectacle couldn’t get soap-operatic, think again! The candidates are entangled in a web of grand visions and questionable feasibility, eager to woo the voters, most of whom just want their coconuts on the beach without a city planner breathing down their necks.
And just like an unwanted guest at a wedding, this whole airport situation isn’t leaving anytime soon. It’s slow, it’s gradual – much like Koster’s plans for infrastructure that feels like it’s been in a holding pattern since the last election. But who would have thought that the political drama surrounding an airport could rival that of a Netflix season finale? Let’s just hold on tight, reminisce on Bali’s untouched beauty, and hope that this goes smoother than a traditional Balinese dance! Because if it doesn’t, it might just end up as another tourist ‘great idea’ that got lost in translation.
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Both candidates vying for the governorship of Bali have responded to recent controversial remarks made by Indonesia’s newly inaugurated President, Prabowo Subianto, during his visit to the island over the weekend.
In his first official appearance in Bali as President, Subianto announced plans to construct the North Bali International Airport, proclaiming that this development could transform Bali into the new Singapore or Hong Kong within Southeast Asia.
The highly anticipated election for Bali’s next Governor is set for November 27. The contenders include Made Muliawan Arya, affectionately nicknamed De Gajah, and Wayan Koster, who is aiming for a second term following his previous tenure as the Governor.
Arya is campaigning with Putu Agus Suradnyana as his running mate, while Koster has formed a coalition with I Nyoman Giri Prasta, the current Regent of Badung.
Academics and tourism leaders across Bali are expressing concerns regarding President Subianto’s vision of redeveloping the island into a regional nexus akin to Singapore or Hong Kong, fearing potential adverse effects on Bali’s rich cultural tapestry and natural landscape.
Arya categorized President Subianto’s assertions as having been taken out of context. The President’s remarks primarily focused on enhancing the North Bali International Airport rather than altering Bali’s identity to mirror that of these bustling city-states.
Despite Arya’s justification, many critics maintain that Subianto’s message lacked clarity and actionable substance.
During his address from Denpasar, the President reiterated his commitment, stating, “North Bali Airport, as I have conveyed, I want to build North Bali International Airport.”
He emphasized his vision by proclaiming, “We will make Bali the new Singapore and Hong Kong, where we will be the center of this region.”
Arya conveyed to reporters, “It turns out that [the response] was made up by irresponsible people. They said that Bali would be made into New Hong Kong and New Singapore. That’s a big mistake.”
Arya opined that Bali could adopt successful urban planning strategies, emphasizing cleanliness and organization, stating that such developments would not tarnish the region’s cultural essence.
Candidate Wayan Koster also addressed the President’s propositions, commending Subianto for his ‘wise’ outlook on Bali’s future.
However, Koster acknowledged that significant infrastructure enhancements are required before the North Bali International Airport can become a reality.
Koster pointed out, “We are currently preparing various infrastructures, which we started when we became the Governor of Bali in the first period. We still ask that this be continued at this time.”
Koster underscored the necessity of a gradual approach toward airport development in Bali, stating, “After everything is ready, the construction of the airport in Buleleng will inevitably, sooner or later, be realized. We wake up gradually.”
Koster reiterated his long-term vision during his previous term as Governor from 2018-2023, where he laid the groundwork for the Buleleng airport project.
The first hurdle faced was the Regional Regulation of Bali Province Number 2 of 2023, detailing the Bali Provincial Spatial Plan from 2023 to 2043.
Koster detailed, “The Regional Regulation has accommodated the plan for the construction of a new airport in Buleleng. So we have prepared the construction of this airport from the beginning.”
He concluded, “The point is that we are in line with President Prabowo Subianto to build an airport in Buleleng. It’s just gradual; we have prepared the regulations. For the sake of Bali, we are ready to implement it.”
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