Letters: Patrialis and tourism

Almost every Balinese I have ever met would prefer to have nothing to do with Java, for some of the following characterizations: Javanese are self-centered, self-serving and opinionated. Ignorant (Javanese) government officials ministers haven’t a clue about tourists and tourism, which is why Indonesia’s tourist industry is almost a complete failure everywhere apart from Bali.

People like Patrialis Akbar (“To market in a bikini? Not a good look: Minister”, Aug. 12) would destroy the success that Bali has. Instead of being proud of Bali and learning from it, we are jealous and arrogant.

All we do is try to take, steal glory and give nothing back. Oh yes, and export the occasional fanatic bomber to launch destruction and murder on the island. No wonder Bali would rather be independent of Java, and no wonder the people of Bali don’t like the Javanese very much.

And Patrialis, it must be Bali you are refering to, as I cannot imagine tourists strolling through a Jakarta mall dressed in just a bra top, the Balinese don’t share your view on the female form, they actually like and enjoy it, and don’t view it as a problem.

Didi Karjadi

Bandung