Bali Geothermal Project Rejected for Religious Reasons (ANTARA)
Bali has rejected the central government`s plan to build a geothermal power plant in Bedugul, Tabanan, due to a religious reason. The governor said the main reason for his decision is that because mountains, forests, beaches, lakes and estuaries are holy areas.
The ministry of energy and mineral resources has planned to build the plant and is awaiting for the governor`s approval. "We will start it as soon as the governor agrees," energy minister Jero Wacik said after speaking at a meeting with Hindu leaders here on Friday (June 14).
Wacik said if the project is finished Bali will have an additional electricity supply of 150 to 200 MWe. Bali, which is the country`s most popular tourist destinations, at present needs around 600 MWe and in the future the province would need up to 1,000 MWe.
Various parties have expressed their rejection to the project located in the Batukaru wildlife preserve in the districts of Tabanan and Buleleng for fear it would cause environmental damages.
The Hindu Dharma Council of Indonesia (PHDI) has also asked the government not to go ahead with the plan saying that "mountains and forests are considered holy sites by Hindus".
Read More.....
