Trash littering Bunaken beach
Brilio.net/en - As Indonesias Tourism Minister opened the annual Festival Pesona Sangihe in Jakarta earlier this month, he had some harsh words for North Sulawesi Governor Olly Dondokambey.
Mr. Governor, clean Bunaken! Dont let the visitors get disappointed, keep the toilet clean too. Arief said.
Bunaken Marine Park is one of the most popular destinations for divers and all sorts of tourists going through Indonesia. Located near the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, its also easier to get to than other famous dive sites like Raja Ampat. But its paying the price for its fame.
It might be a bit early to criticize Governor Olly, who only took office in February, but he has pledged to develop marine tourism. The government is pushing a major tourism drive across the country, so its not too surprising that the minister would put pressure on other officials to get there act together.
Arief says garbage and a lack of toilets are the main problem in Bunaken, where tourists have long put too much strain on the facilities, and the local government hasnt done enough to upgrade them.
The beach and toilet are not clean. It is also hard for the tourists to find a toilet. the minister said, adding that cleanliness and proper toilets are essential to making tourists feel comfortable.
Responding the ministers comments, Governor Olly blamed the garbage problem on rivers running into the area.
Thats why the city and provincial governments are working to fix it. he said.
Its hard to see who is to blame, but if the situation is allowed to worsen, who will come visit when word spreads? If that happens, everybody loses.
(brl/red)
