Prabowo’s Ambitious Plan: Building Bali into “The New Singapore”
Well, well, well! President Probowo Subianto seems to have his sights set on something big— and no, we’re not talking about a new resort or a fancy restaurant (though let’s be honest, that probably wouldn’t hurt either). This time, it’s about an epic quest: constructing a grand airport in North Bali, and all part of his grand vision to transform Bali into what he boldly dubbed “The New Singapore.”
But hold your applause for a moment, folks! This ambitious proposal has landed him squarely in the crosshairs of former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who waved her finger and said, “No, thanks!” to a second international airport. Talk about a political tango—who knew airport construction could lead to such fiery debate?
During a delightful Sunday feast in Bali, President Prabowo declared, “I am committed. I want to build the North Bali International Airport. We will make Bali the new Singapore and Hong Kong,… all Indonesian people must enjoy prosperity, not just a handful of people.” His hunger for development is palpable, and not just for lunch! It’s a call for Bali’s leaders to sweat and strive to make this vision a reality—because who doesn’t love a good underdog story of a tropical paradise rising to global supremacy?
Let’s not ignore that Prabowo’s charm offensive included rubbing shoulders (and sharing lunch) with Bali’s political elite, such as gubernatorial candidate Made Muliawan Arya— lovingly nicknamed “De Gadjah.” Can we just take a moment to appreciate how adorable some political nicknames are? I mean, who needs secret service when you have elephants—and karaoke?
As Prabowo dined (and probably schemed), the looming elections on November 27, 2024, hung in the air like the tantalizing aroma of nasi goreng. He took a moment to thank the Balinese for their overwhelming support in his previous elections—talk about playing to the crowd! But the pièce de résistance was his passionate vow to combat corruption. Ironically, the very corrupt practices he plans to fight could be the ones attempting to buy beachfront property to construct… I don’t know, a McMansion or two on the lovely island?
Prabowo, with the passion of a reality show contestant crying for a chance at the final rose, proclaimed, “Indonesia is rich and must be managed well.” Finally, someone’s speaking the language of investment! But, let’s not kid ourselves; managing a country’s wealth isn’t as easy as managing a social media account—at least not in the conventional sense.
Clearly aware of the unique charm Bali radiates, he implores leaders to keep those Balinese customs and culture intact. “Cleanliness is the basis of beauty,” he said, sounding like your mother after a long day while cleaning your experimental kitchen disaster. It’s refreshing to hear a politician take aesthetics into account! No pressure, Bali, just keep it beautiful, please!
On November 7, prepare for an environmental pep talk! Prabowo plans to gather all regional leaders to bring awareness to the urgent need to protect Bali’s stunning environment. Because you know, nothing says “I care about the earth” quite like a good old-fashioned political gathering!
While the world watches, the question remains: can President Prabowo manage to turn Bali into the ‘rockstar of the eastern hemisphere’? If all goes according to plan, we might soon find ourselves comparing Bali’s luxury resorts to the likes of Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands—complete with the obligatory Instagram selfies, of course. But until then, keep those beef rendang and ritual dances close to your heart, Bali. One way or another, the world’s watching—and singing!
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President Probowo Subianto has unequivocally declared his dedication to establishing a new North Bali Airport, a pivotal component in Indonesia’s ambitious plan to transform Bali into “The New Singapore,” thereby elevating its position in the regional economy.
The President’s support for this transformative airport project puts him at a significant crossroads with former President Megawati Soekarnoputri, who has voiced strong opposition to the development of a second international airport on the island, igniting a debate on Bali’s future infrastructure.
Speaking in an address captured by BeritaBali.com on Sunday, 03 November 2024, President Probowo passionately stated: “I am committed. I want to build the North Bali International Airport. We will make Bali the new Singapore and Hong Kong, which will be the center of this region. We must work hard; we must dare to think big. Consider what others cannot do and prove these things (in Bali) possible. Indonesia must be prosperous, must be fair, all Indonesian people must enjoy prosperity, not just a handful of people,” emphasizing his vision for inclusive growth.
During his time in Bali, President Prabowo engaged in a working lunch with a variety of local leaders, including gubernatorial candidate Made Muliawan Arya (popularly known as “De Gadjah”), deputy governor candidate Putu Agus Suradhnyana, and other influential figures such as former Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika and members of the Regional Representative Council (DPD-RI), highlighting a collaborative effort for regional development.
Bali’s next governor will be chosen through island-wide voting scheduled for 27 November 2024, a pivotal election that could influence the island’s future governance and development priorities.
Expressing gratitude, President Prabowo acknowledged the support he received from the people of Bali during the last election in February, where his partnership with candidate Gibran achieved over 60% of the popular vote, a clear mandate for his leadership.
In his remarks at the lunch, Prabowo emphasized his commitment to fighting against corruption with unwavering resolve, stating that he was determined to ensure the nation’s wealth is managed effectively for the benefit of all Indonesians.
Addressing the preservation of Balinese culture and customs, Prabowo articulated the need for Bali to lead efforts in revitalizing and building the Indonesian nation. “We see that Bali is already famous. For future leaders, maintain Bali, protect the Balinese personality, and maintain Balinese culture,” he remarked, underscoring the island’s cultural significance.
Continuing on the theme of environmental stewardship, Prabowo stressed that “Cleanliness is the basis of beauty,” urging local authorities to be vigilant against overdevelopment that might tarnish Bali’s natural splendor and deter visitors.
Furthermore, he cautioned regional leaders against allowing oversized advertisements that could detract from the island’s aesthetic charm, advocating for a careful balance between development and the preservation of Bali’s beauty.
President Prabowo announced plans to convene all regional leaders, law enforcement, and military heads on 07 November to address the pivotal need for environmental protection and sustainable development practices in Bali.
In addition, he lent his full support to the candidacy of Made Muliawan Arya and Putu Agus Suradnyana, showcasing his endorsement for a future aligned with his vision for Bali’s transformation.
It’s Official: Prabowo Subianto is RI #1
Ms, he remarked, “Cleanliness is the basis of beauty,” highlighting the importance of maintaining the island’s unique beauty while pursuing development. His emphasis on environmental sustainability was further underscored by an upcoming gathering on November 7, targeting local leaders to prioritize Bali’s ecological conservation.
As momentum builds towards the upcoming elections on November 27, Prabowo’s vision is clear: to position Bali as a thriving international hub akin to Singapore or Hong Kong while ensuring that the prosperity generated benefits the entirety of Indonesia’s population. The ambitious North Bali International Airport project is a cornerstone of these plans, aiming to enhance connectivity and attract a broader swath of tourists and investment.
However, the road ahead is fraught with political challenges, particularly from voices like Megawati Soekarnoputri, who have raised concerns about the saturation of infrastructure on the island. Debate swirls around whether a second airport is truly necessary, or if it threatens to commodify Bali’s enchanting landscapes.
In a climate of fierce competition for votes and public support, Prabowo’s charm offensive—marked by his engaging dialogues, collaborative lunches, and environmental activism—might just be the tonic needed to win over the hearts of Balinese citizens. One thing is for certain; with his sights set on the future, the game is on, and the world will be watching to see if Bali can emerge as the ‘rockstar of the eastern hemisphere.’
So, spectrum of possibilities unfolds. Bali, a beacon of culture, beauty, and potential, stands at a crossroads, ready to take flight or risk being grounded in controversy. Will the construction of the airport soar above the politicking, or will it crash land amid dissent? Only time will tell—but for now, Bali remains a stage for high-stakes drama with an eye on the future, led by President Prabowo’s ambitious vision.
