This might be the darkest information that we have received from Bali yet. Due to the high demand in industry and tourism, the Indonesian government can no longer provide proper water supply to its people.
According to Al-Jazeera, the urbanised areas absorb water supplies from rural areas to cater the needs of Bali’s visitors. And the fact that most of Indonesia is facing harsh drought makes things worse.
A beautiful lie
We’ve all seen those ‘Visit Bali’ brochures. Lush rain forest and clear blue seawater give us the impression of ultimate tranquillity.
Source: Rough Guides
Sadly the serenity costs Bali dearly as over half of Bali’s rivers, 260 out of 400, have dried out, as reported by Indonesia’s Environmental Protection Agency.
A lecturer at the University of the West of England, Cole, who did research on this issue, reported that the island’s largest water reserve Lake Buyan has dropped by 3.5 meters.
He added, “It’s ludicrous that a tropical island is running short of water.”
Source: Al-Jazeera
Another report came from a charity worker that was interviewed by Al-Jazeera who said that on average, a tourist uses between 2,000 – 4,000 litres of water per day, based just on daily water use at resorts.
Additionally, water sources receive high demands especially for filling up swimming pools and watering golf courses. The industrial business also has a share in this tragedy especially after huge MNCs (Multi-National Corporation) opened production facilities on the island.
The truth that hurts
On the other hand, Bali locals are living poorly due to the drought. Without their natural resources, the amount of water that they have now can’t even cater to daily routines such as cooking and cleaning.
Their luxurious iconic green rice paddy fields have now paled in colour.
Source: Al-Jazeera
The government tried to fix the situation by distributing supplies through water trucks, but obviously, it’s not enough.
“Last month, the government brought four water trucks, but this month there have been none at all,” said Ketut, a cashew farmer in Tianyar Timor.
Source: Al-Jazeera
In the end, we can all agree with Cole, who said, “The villages up there aren’t dry because of drought. They’re dry because of politics, because of choices that are being made.”
Meanwhile, if you include Bali in your end of year vacation plan, please use their water with consideration
Also read: Don’t Panic! You Won’t Actually Be Jailed For Staying With Your Unmarried Partner In Bali
