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Letters: What have they done for Bali?
Tue, 06/09/2009 10:47 AM | Reader's Forum
This is a comment on a letter send by Susi Johnston titled "A plan for Bali is expected" (the Post, June 4)
Let's look at it from a slightly different perspective. I absolutely agree with what Susi's thought about the central government. However, it is fair to ask what corporations have done for the Balinese?
They operate big business in Bali and gain profit from them. And, take less responsibility for the Balinese.
It is important to note that tourism assets in Bali amount to Rp 150 trillion and only 6 percent belong to the Balinese and, interestingly, 20 percent of Balinese people are supposed to live in poverty.
What I think is, if corporations that get the benefits from conducting business in Bali would like to sustain their businesses, it is necessary for them to act more responsibly by initiating the provision of infrastructure, more scholarships and training, especially for small businesses, market access and financial aid, health care and building mutual partnerships with government to achieve sustainable community development as well.
Corporations need to change the paradigm that corporate social responsibility is a cost, so there is no CSR activity when the economy suffers a crisis.
CSR should be viewed as long-term investment toward corporate and tourism sustainability itself.
Yusri
Jakarta
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Judy Mitoma (not verified) — Sun, 06/21/2009 - 12:09am
Economic responsibility and fair reciprocity must be part of the equation. However, a more complex and less measurable form of engagement is the cultural impact on the cultural and religious lives of the Balinese people. The lure of tourism can disrupt and even destroy core Balinese values. When performing for tourists becomes more important that service to the community we have a enormous problem. When artists shift their practice from being an essential part of village ceremony to entertainment for tourists the core intentions of performance shift.
Tourism must not compete for the creative talent of Balinese artists but should find ways to compliment and reinforce the dignity and meaning of artistic practice. If they do not, the rift between the touristic and local practice with widen and I fear the tourists will be the winners.