SBY tells regions to take Bali, Minangkabau as role model

President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said in a speech before members of the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) on Wednesday that regions should follow Bali’s lead in adaptating to globalization.

Yudhoyono said the entire country should “take opportunities coming with the globalization while avoiding the negative impacts”.

He said that the Balinese set a good example of this, with their nature-and culture-based tourism helping them to develop and prosper without costing them their identity.

“We need to raise our hats to the Balinese, who have shown us an example how to integrate with the international communities without sacrificing identity,” Yudhoyono said.

“Surely it’s not easy to preserve local values and there are a lot of challenges. But, if the Balinese can do it, so can other regions,” he added.

The President also commended the Minangkabau people in West Sumatra, whom he said were “staring at globalization with hard work and confidence”, while preserving local values.