TANAH DAN WISATA - Ekspedisi Indonesia Biru #15

Summary

The video discusses the ongoing controversy surrounding the reclamation of Teluk Benoa in Bali. Local business owners like Nyoman Sugite express concerns that the reclamation project will harm the environment and negatively impact tourism, which has already declined due to overdevelopment and increased competition. There are fears that rising sea levels and tidal changes, exacerbated by reclamation, will worsen the situation. While some support the project for its potential to create jobs and improve infrastructure, others see it as detrimental to Bali's cultural and environmental heritage, sparking protests and debates.

Takeaways

• 🌊 The reclamation project in Teluk Benoa has sparked mixed feelings among locals, with some believing it will harm the environment and others seeing potential benefits.
• 📸 Nyoman Sugite, a local entrepreneur, has been documenting the changes in Teluk Benoa and is concerned about the potential impact on his business.
• 🏊 The sea level around Nyoman's property has been rising, even without reclamation, leading to construction of barriers to protect his pool.
• 💼 Nyoman's tourism business has been declining over the past 10-15 years, with increased competition and reduced quality of tourists visiting Bali.
• 🛣️ Nyoman believes the construction of the Bali Mandara toll road is linked to the reclamation plan, built to serve investors' interests rather than the community.
• 📉 The Bali Mandara toll road is experiencing financial losses, with fewer cars using it than anticipated, suggesting it may not have been needed for traffic purposes.
• 🗣️ Public consultation on the reclamation project saw divided opinions; some supported it for economic reasons, while others were concerned about its cultural and environmental impacts.
• 📢 Nyoman criticizes the lack of transparency in the reclamation project, feeling that the government is not adequately addressing community concerns.
• 🏞️ Investors in the reclamation project argue that they are also contributing to improving the environment, such as managing waste flowing into the reclaimed areas.
• 🏝️ Despite the push for development in southern Bali, there are areas like Tenganan that have resisted giving up land for tourism, maintaining their unique cultural heritage.

Q & A

What is the main concern expressed by Nyoman Sugite regarding the reclamation of Teluk Benoa?

Nyoman Sugite is concerned that the reclamation of Teluk Benoa will worsen the tourism industry, which has already been declining in quality over the past 10-15 years. He believes the reclamation will negatively affect his business and the overall tourism experience.

How has tourism in Bali changed according to Nyoman Sugite in the last 10-15 years?

According to Nyoman Sugite, tourism in Bali has deteriorated in the last 10-15 years, with an increase in price competition and the overdevelopment of hotels. As a result, the quality of tourism has decreased, and many visitors are now from the middle to lower economic class.

What connection does Nyoman Sugite see between the construction of the Bali Mandara toll road and the reclamation of Teluk Benoa?

Nyoman Sugite believes the construction of the Bali Mandara toll road, which started in 2012, is linked to the reclamation of Teluk Benoa. He suspects the toll road was part of the infrastructure needed to support future reclamation and development projects, although this was never publicly disclosed.

Why does Nyoman Sugite think the Bali Mandara toll road is not a necessary project?

Nyoman Sugite thinks the Bali Mandara toll road was not built based on actual traffic needs. He argues that the low number of vehicles using the toll road and the financial losses reported by the company operating it suggest that it was built for other purposes, such as facilitating the reclamation and investment projects, rather than addressing traffic congestion.

What is the reaction of some business owners and residents to the reclamation project in Teluk Benoa?

Some business owners and residents, including Nyoman Sugite, are critical of the reclamation project. They argue that the project will harm the environment and the tourism industry, and they feel the government has not been transparent in its planning or communication with the public.

What are some of the arguments presented in favor of the reclamation project?

Supporters of the reclamation project argue that it will bring more investment, create job opportunities, and help revitalize the area. They believe that the development will improve infrastructure and provide economic benefits to the region.

How does the investor from PT Tirta Wahana Bali respond to the concerns about the environmental impact of the reclamation?

The investor from PT Tirta Wahana Bali argues that their project will not harm the environment and that they will take responsibility for managing the waste and cleaning the area. They emphasize that they will contribute to the maintenance and improvement of the environment around Teluk Benoa as part of their investment.

What transparency issues are raised regarding the reclamation of Teluk Benoa?

Residents and business owners, like Nyoman Sugite, raise concerns about the lack of transparency in the planning and development of the reclamation project. They feel that the government did not adequately inform or involve the public in the decision-making process, leading to suspicion and opposition.

What economic concerns are associated with the reclamation project?

Economic concerns related to the reclamation project include the possibility of rising property prices, making it unaffordable for local businesses and residents. Additionally, there is skepticism about whether the project will truly benefit the local economy or simply serve private investors.

What is the significance of the village of Tenganan in contrast to other areas of Bali?

Tenganan is significant because it is a village in Karangasem that has chosen not to sell any of its land for tourism development, unlike other areas of Bali. Despite being a popular tourist destination, the village has maintained its traditional practices and resisted outside investment, standing in contrast to the overdevelopment seen in southern Bali.