In Reply to: Nusa Dua posted by Yew Yee on Sunday, 4. April 1999 at 02:07 Bali Time:
Thank you for the added info: SCETO. I just could not remember the name. However, concerning the banning of native in the Nusa Dua area, I beg to differ with you. First, there were maybe one or two established villages in the immediate area. That the government bought the lands from the peasants at fire sale prices is the understatement. However, Balinese were never required to carry proof of working there in order to penetrate the enclave, at least since 1984, when I first arrived in Bali.
Finally, as far as I can tell from conversations with some of my Balinese friends who are connected with the tourism industry, preservation of the Balinese way of life was paramount in the Nusa Dua project. There was no concern at all regarding the tamu kaya giving ideas to the locals.
Since we are on the subject, the case of Serangan island (across from Benoa harbor) is something else! The place was not only occupied by many Balinese peasants, but there is a very sacred shrine and temple on the north end of the island, Pura Sakanan. In 1990, one of the sons of Pak Harto, Bangbang I believe, form a company with Australian financiers to develop the place, and turn it into a marina for the rich and famous. The price offered was also ridiculous, Rps2,000 per are, and those who did not get the idea the first time, got a second visit by the buyer accompanied by soldiers. There was no violence, but the recalcitrant saler got the message fast.