M

embers of Beraban customary village are fighting for the right to manage the breathtaking Tanah Lot temple and recreation site overlooking the Indian Ocean in Tabanan regency.

I Made Sujana, leader of Beraban youth organization and operational manager of Tanah Lot, told participants at a meeting on Monday that Beraban village was ready to take over management of the recreation site, currently under the management of private company CV Ary Jasa Wisata.

“We have a better vision and management system to improve facilities at Tanah Lot recreation site,” said Sujana.

Tabanan regional administration granted management rights for Tanah Lot to CV Ary Jasa Wisata in June 1980, but the rights expire on April 1, 2011.

Based on the original contract, the company could sell tickets for Rp 100 per person, generating only Rp 3 million per month.

In 2000, the contract was amended as tickets were being sold for Rp 3,300 for adults and Rp 1,800 for children.

The contract afforded Tabanan regency Rp 380 million in annual revenue.

Sujana said the village had proposed a new agreement based on profit sharing involving three parties — Beraban village, a private company and Tabanan regional administration.

The new proposal would give Tabanan regency 50 percent of the profits, Beraban village 20 percent and the private company 15 percent.

Sujana said that income from visitors to Tanah Lot had increased steadily. In 2010, around 5,000 tourists visited Tanah Lot, generating Rp 12 billion in revenue that year.

I Wayan Sarba, spokesperson for Tabanan regional office, explained that the current operation of Tanah Lot was good.

“We have already received the proposal and we are going to discuss this with the regent. I hope that they (villagers) will be patient in waiting for a decision,” Sarba said.

He also warned villagers not to do anything that would disrupt tourism activities.