Letter: Explore other parts of Indonesia

This is a comment on an article titled “Listening to tourists — and learning” (Nov. 24) by Duncan Graham of Wellington.

The Dutch colonial government is not to “blame” for tourism in Bali. It’s rather the purity of the old Indonesian culture that can only be found in Bali, although recent mass tourism destroyed much of the beauty of Bali.

In Bali, mass tourism has become a threat to Balinese lifestyle and the environment as well. For Bali it would be a relief if the rest of Indonesia would be more interesting for tourists.

The rest of Indonesia is not very well known by foreigners and that’s a shame: Indonesia has lots to offer.

But don’t make the mistake to have mass tourism as in Bali or Thailand with skyscraper-like hotels.

Tourism should blend in with local life: Small scale hotels and the possibility for Indonesian citizens to accommodate tourists in their homes. The tourists should want are not the ones that want to shop till they drop in shopping malls that are far too expensive for Indonesians.

The tourists should want to experience culture in local markets together with Indonesian people.

Herny
The Netherlands