Representative of Japan from JICA (Japan International Corporation Association) explored Karangasem to formulate the joint focus in tourism subject. They are meet the regent of Karangasem I Wayan Geredeg,S.H. in Candidasa, on Friday (27/8)
Mister Geredeg accompany with his secretary Nengah Sudarsa, the Head of Culture and Tourism Office named I Made Sudiarsa explained the development of Karangasem tourism concentrated to unique culture in Bali. Even, Karangasem classified to the regency whose tourism object and the attraction of tourism more than the others.

Central government building cruise harbor facility which become the only one facility in Indonesia located in nature harbor Labuan Amuk Tanah Ampo, Manggis which has planned will be finished in the end of 2011. Even Karangasem still in processing spiritual tourism. Geredeg supported this because Karangasem has more temples more than the other, they have Kahyangan Jagat pura and also Pura Dang Kahyangan. The obstacle of the development of Karangasem tourism is the road infrastructure which is need long time to go to airport. In the other side with the building of by-pass road hoped this obstacle can be handled.

Mister Geredeg also explained about the development of mountain and marine tourism, Karangasem marine tourism have potential, they are the longest beach with 87 km in distance, and the attraction of underwater nature impressed many people. According to Germany investor this marine potential in Tulamben is the finest in Indonesia. For the mountain tourism, he confessed it is not developed yet but some good business has grown. They are agriculture tourism in Sibetan, Besakih Pura, Lempuyang Andekasa, Silayukti, Pasar Agung as the way to climb the mountain. The ability of original income of Karangasem still small in number relatively, it can’t be reliable as the back bone of local build. For the last five years (2005-2010) it is increased into 300 percent, with the greatest income as much as 65% from tourism sector. In agriculture sector the opportunity to maximize organic cashew have been enter the world market.

Mister Geredeg have confessed if he doesn’t have the special training institution, it is limited in special training institution in tourism sector. In the other side, agriculture sector cooperate with apprentice training to Japan. Professor Kobayashi and Professor Suzuki through translator named Bambang thanked to Karangasem regent have been received them visit and gave information about the tourism potential of Karangasem. In that time there’s an agreement to develop CT-Net in the program of transformation and the use of IT service in local build. Their coming to Karangasem, Kobayashi said, is to picture and mapping Karangasem tourism potential more detail like marine sport tourism aspect, mountain tourism and the others to make it easier to be developed. The government of Karangasem suggested to train people in tourism sector professionally. He promises will be help to provide teacher in Japanese language from Japanese community in Bali

News by Bali Post