Bali strait bridge controversy
Monday 30 may 2022Like the Suramadu Bridge which connects East Java with Madura Island, it is also said that Bali will experience the same thing. The idea to connect the area of 1000 temples with the island of Java was put forward by the Regent of Banyuwangi, Azwar Anaz.
However, the project turned out to be rejected by the Balinese people. Not only pursuing development, the existence of the bridge is also considered not in accordance with custom and is considered to have violated the culture that has been tightly held by Balinese people. The pros and cons began to emerge into the public sphere, coloring the big ideas that are still in the imagination.
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The two-island adhesive bridge that has been initiated for a long time
In his strategic plan, the construction of the Bali Strait Bridge has been initiated for a long time. The meaning of the naming itself refers to the opening of access that connects the three islands, namely Sumatra Island, Java Island and Bali Island.
The purpose of the construction of the Bali Strait Bridge
Moving on to the modern era, the plan to build the Bali Strait Bridge is not just for transportation access. More than that, the project was launched to make it easier for the public to access the route to Bali.
As quoted from the beritasatu.com page, the existence of the Bali Strait Bridge aims to smooth the flow of goods and people, so as not to be trapped in long lines at the Ketapang-Gilimanuk River Lake and Crossing Transportation Port (ASDP).
Getting rejected from the Balinese people
According to the kabarnusa.com page, Gede Pasek Suardika, who is a young Balinese figure who is also a member of the Indonesian Regional Representative Council (DPD), joined in to show his rejection of the plan.
Leaning on the time of Resi Sidhimantra, the separation of the islands of Bali and Java, is full of meaning. It is not only a matter of culture and local wisdom, the construction of the bridge is also considered to not respect the sanctity of the Hindu religion, which is the majority on the island of Bali.
Development plans that conflict with local wisdom values
The magnitude of the Bali Strait waves that sometimes occur will make the construction of the Bali Strait Bridge definitely higher than the surrounding waters and land. There is also a belief in Hinduism that buildings and human positions should not be higher than Padmasana, which is a place to pray and put food for Hindus. Moreover, many residents around the Bali Strait make Padmasana for worship purposes.
Benefits for those who are pro Bali Strait Bridge construction
In addition to connecting two different islands, Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas has a reason behind the construction of the Bali Strait Bridge. In addition to easing traffic jams during holidays, non-operating ships or bad weather and long holidays, the existence of the project also has a positive impact on the economy of the two islands.
Because it is still reaping polemics, it is better if infrastructure development such as the Bali Strait Bridge also looks at various aspects. One of them by paying attention to local customs. Don't let it be forced so that it can be realized quickly, it will actually cause a conflict that will actually be detrimental in the future.
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