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Tensions rise over Benoa reclamation
Jakarta Post - July 15, 2016
While a coalition of local people have called on the government not to extend the reclamation permit, the developer has demanded an extension of permit, which is due to expire on Aug. 25.
Activists say if the government bows to the pressure from the developer, which plans to create artificial islands in the middle of the Benoa Bay for a massive tourist destination with luxury villas and a theme park, by extending the permit, then trouble may arise.
"The power of the people is huge and the tension is escalating," Forum of Balinese Against Reclamation [ForBALI] coordinator I Wayan "Gendo" Suardana said on Wednesday.
In February, the Bali Mandara Toll Road was totally inaccessible as hordes of people set up a demo and marched on the road protesting against the controversial project.
"There's an indication that the public's rage is getting harder to contain," Gendo said. "We take no responsibility for whatever the public does if the government forces its will because Bali has a violent history as well."
Therefore, he urged the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Ministry not to extend the permit as well as for President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo to revoke Presidential Regulation No. 51/2014 that removed the area from protective zoning.
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