A Fairer Share of the Development Pie

Deputy Governor of Bali Wants the Benefits of Island’s Development Equably Shared to All Corners of the Island

(8/19/2012)

The deputy-governor of Bali, A.A. Puspayoga, has recently attended three separate ceremonies on behalf of Bali’s recuperating governor. On August 14th he presided at the official celebration to mark the anniversary of the founding of the province of Bali. He also was on hand on August 17th when officials gathered to honor the exact moment when Indonesian Independence was proclaimed in 1945. And, finally, Puspayoga attended the flag-lowering ceremony held at sunset on Friday, August 17, 2012.

Following the ceremony held to celebrate the proclamation of national independence, the deputy-governor told those in attendance that the moment of national liberty should also become the departure point for achieving a more equitable distribution of development in all areas of Balinese life. He warned that development could no longer be concentrated in Denpasar or the southernmost regency of Badung due to the urgent need for the benefits of development in other areas of Bali, such as Karangasem or Buleleng, in order that the average quality of life in the more remote areas of Bali can be improved.

Puspayoga called for a firm implementation of an equitable policy for development, saying: “The theme of this year’s Indepence Day celebrations is an equitable policy of development. Thus, by calling upon the spirit of freedom we must inspire our hearts on how the ensure the welfare of the people of Bali through equitable development. Without equity, the people’s welfare will remain out of reach.”

Specifically addressing the issue of equity in health services, the deputy-governor said efforts at improvements has to continue. He cited that more and more community health centers must be opened in areas such as Karangasem, Buleleng and Nusa Penida, because these areas suffer from inadequate medical care.

In response to criticism that the provincial government is spending most of its health budget on the construction of a new Bali International Hospital while health centers (Puskesmas) across the island were in urgent need of attention, Puspayoga said this matter was under annual review and efforts would be made in the coming year to find more funding for Puskesmas system.

Source: BaliDiscovery.com