Bali Governor Wants Election as Tourist Attraction

Friday, 05 December, 2008 | 13:33 WIB 

TEMPO Interactive, DENPASAR:Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika has called on the General Election Commission (KPU) to make the 2009 Election a tourist attraction to raise the image of Bali as a safe and attractive region to visit. 

"The election must be welcomed with joy, not fear,” he said when meeting with KPU staff throughout Bali yesterday. 

In a global crisis like we have today, the effort to create security during the election must be maintained to raise people’s awareness over the national political agenda, as well as to increase international trust. 

KPU Bali chairman, Lanang Perbawa, said Pastika’s request is in line with KPU’s plan. During the campaign in March 2009, political parties did not only give speeches, but also cultural performances, the KPU has even prepared a joint-exhibition at the Denpasar Art Centre. 

ROFIQI HASAN