Far Off The Mark
The Jakarta Post -- WEEKENDER | Thu, 01/29/2009 7:36 PM |
I am writing in response to the article So Near, And Yet So Far, written by Imogen Badgery Parker, in the December issue of the WEEKENDER.
I must disagree with Ms. Badgery Parker’s portrayal of the building construction presently taking place on Gili Trawangan. Whilst there are developments currently underway on the island, most are off the main beach front and those responsible for building along the beach are making every effort to minimize any disruption and negative impact on tourism. In fact, many businesses have chosen the quieter months of the year to embark upon refurbishments and extensions to their properties. Most developments are involved in providing fresh water and private power supplies as well as implementing recycling and green energy efficient systems on Gili Trawangan to further improve its facilities.
As to the diminishing sense of community, Ms. Badgery Parker could be no further from the truth. There has never been a greater alliance and sense of co operation between local residents, businesses and ex-pat’s on the island. Over the last 12 months, a number of councils have been established on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, with direct reporting lines to Lombok. These councils provide advice and support for local businesses, schools, conservation activity, utility supplies and have, in co operation with the police, implemented measures that are acting as serious crime deterrents. A recent crack-down mid-year saw many perpetrators of drug trafficking arrested and removed from the island. There have been few incidents of drug abuse recorded since then and the general consensus amongst residents and businesses is that the cleaner and more drug free Gili Trawangan remains, the more the island will prosper. Gili Trawangan rightly deserves its moniker as “the party island” as, of the 3 Gilis, nightlife here is licensed until 2 a.m.
Visitors continue to flock to the Gilis and do, as Ms. Badgery Parker points out, come for two days and so often stay for a week or longer. There are few places in the world that provide such a spectacular back-drop, relaxed and safe environment along with the opportunity to experience some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. We, on Gili Trawangan, are committed to preserving the natural beauty that we are so fortunate to live in, whilst endeavoring to provide increasingly better accommodation and facilities.
Di Somerton
The Beach House Resort
Gili Trawangan
Lombok
I must disagree with Ms. Badgery Parker’s portrayal of the building construction presently taking place on Gili Trawangan. Whilst there are developments currently underway on the island, most are off the main beach front and those responsible for building along the beach are making every effort to minimize any disruption and negative impact on tourism. In fact, many businesses have chosen the quieter months of the year to embark upon refurbishments and extensions to their properties. Most developments are involved in providing fresh water and private power supplies as well as implementing recycling and green energy efficient systems on Gili Trawangan to further improve its facilities.
As to the diminishing sense of community, Ms. Badgery Parker could be no further from the truth. There has never been a greater alliance and sense of co operation between local residents, businesses and ex-pat’s on the island. Over the last 12 months, a number of councils have been established on Gili Trawangan, Gili Meno and Gili Air, with direct reporting lines to Lombok. These councils provide advice and support for local businesses, schools, conservation activity, utility supplies and have, in co operation with the police, implemented measures that are acting as serious crime deterrents. A recent crack-down mid-year saw many perpetrators of drug trafficking arrested and removed from the island. There have been few incidents of drug abuse recorded since then and the general consensus amongst residents and businesses is that the cleaner and more drug free Gili Trawangan remains, the more the island will prosper. Gili Trawangan rightly deserves its moniker as “the party island” as, of the 3 Gilis, nightlife here is licensed until 2 a.m.
Visitors continue to flock to the Gilis and do, as Ms. Badgery Parker points out, come for two days and so often stay for a week or longer. There are few places in the world that provide such a spectacular back-drop, relaxed and safe environment along with the opportunity to experience some of the best diving and snorkeling in the world. We, on Gili Trawangan, are committed to preserving the natural beauty that we are so fortunate to live in, whilst endeavoring to provide increasingly better accommodation and facilities.
Di Somerton
The Beach House Resort
Gili Trawangan
Lombok
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