Foreign visitors MUST be accompanied by licensed local tour guides

[pantaiema]

This is basically what the Balinese Government’s doing to collect local taxes and fees. Yeah, dumping trash in the streets or rivers isn’t great, but what choice do people really have? Just let it pile up and stink at home?

But this isn’t just a Bali issue, it’s happening all across Indonesia. That’s why local governments, schools, and universities shouldn’t be allowed to collect money directly people, parents, supposedly for development, until they fix the leaks and stop using the funds to top up their own salaries

Waste collection is a basic sanitary necessity that should be given top priority and it is not well managed by the local government as shown in post #10 . But equally important is public safety, which, based on the video above, appears to be largely neglected. One can only imagine the risk of accidents, especially in the evening, when people, including children are walking along that pavement.

This raises an important question: where is all the local tax and levies collected from the public actually going?

IMO Local governments, schools, and universities should not be allowed to collect money directly from public or parents, under the guise of development until they fix the leaks and stop using the funds to top up their own salaries.

 

[pantaiema]

In the Missus hamlet, 40 km south of Banyuwangi, there is no garbage collection.
Hence the people throw everything in the small stream (about 3 m wide) that goes through it.
The same stream in which they swim, bathe, wash clothes, shit and wash the dog.
We have bought a concrete ring, the style used for underground waste water or drainage, and burn the garbage in there.
Well as long she is there, because I am sure when she is not there it's back to all in the river....
And in a place where a daily worker in the fields or construction earns 75k a day, good luck trying to convince them to pay 1 day salary per month for garbage collection !

There is also no water distribution system, everybody has a well. Cable internet has arrived 2 years ago, before it was by SIM card.

I am not entirely sure if this is in a rural village area surrounded by paddy fields (?). If that’s the case, based on what I have seen, communities, villagers or even individual households often dig holes in their backyards to dispose the waste. Once the hole is nearly full, they burn the trash, cover it with soil, and then dig a new one.

This might be their only option, given that there are no waste collection services or recycling facilities available in those areas.

 

[Bob]

This is basically what the Balinese Government’s doing to collect local taxes and fees. Yeah, dumping trash in the streets or rivers isn’t great, but what choice do people really have? Just let it pile up and stink at home?

But this isn’t just a Bali issue, it’s happening all across Indonesia. That’s why local governments, schools, and universities shouldn’t be allowed to collect money directly people, parents, supposedly for development, until they fix the leaks and stop using the funds to top up their own salaries

So what could schools do then to raise needed funds? Waiting for the central government would be futile.

 

[Bob]

I do see improvement in towns like Mengwi. The government has installed rubbish collection bins, along the main street. It does seem to be working! This subject should taught in local schools to the kids. The video above is such a sad sight to see! Since everyone here is so connected to their Banjars, then the community leaders should be making this a priority for all the people to adhere to. Jaga Bali Bersih. As I've mentioned before, instead of constantly fighting this problem, and getting nowhere. It's time the Plastic manufacturers develop plastic made from Biodegradable material. Such as vegetable oil, seaweed, tree fiber, etc. This on top of educational programs teaching the People to care about their Island.

What ultimately happens to Mengwi's trash?

 

[Shadrach]

So what could schools do then to raise needed funds? Waiting for the central government would be futile.

I agree about not giving money for development, and schools and Universities, because there is no accountability of where goes! I agree that the schools need money, but it is the Governments responsibility to Do This! Starting from the Top, down to regional governments! From what I've seen with my Bali friends, they are required too much already to get their kids an education, they have to buy different uniforms, books, pay teachers, and transportation, lunches, new shoes, BPJS insurance, and Smartphones, etc. plus the kids are forced to come and clean the schools, for Free! This is a job for an Adult that should be payed!
Don't even think money collected from tourists would even go towards that. This money will go into to the local adminisrations pockets mostly. I say if they collect money from tourists, then there should be a clear record of accountability, as to where the money is being spent.
I'm sure there will a lot of smoke blown, and they'll say a lot of this money must go to the administration fees. For What? Broken computers, and faulty websites?
This is a serious subject that the people should demand for the Government to address! From what I've seen in the people here, I see they are hugely lacking in basic Mathematics, World Geometry, foreign language, but they are forced to learn about their Religion! If you went and asked anyone on the streets here, which direction Java, or Lombok, or Australia, Thailand was, and I'm sure 99% wouldn't have a clue. I've seen kids reaching into their teens, that can't even count past Ten! And still getting moved up every year in School! This is ridiculously Sad!
If Indonesia makes so much money from Coal, Palm oil, Zinc mining, then why aren't these large corporations paying huge Taxes to support the educational system in this country! It's a situation that will never improve, because of Corruption! The rich pay off the Politicians to turn a blind eye, and charge little taxes, and give permits freely, and in turn get Rich also, while the common Indonesian people suffer! Corruption at its Finest!

 

[Shadrach]

What ultimately happens to Mengwi's trash?

Good question? Where does the Tourist tax go also? Accountability?

 

[Shadrach]

I see over the years, my Bali friends are always complaining about how they're so Bankrupt. When I see they go to countless Religious ceremonies all the time and don't work. This Religious Dogma is running them ragged! They are convinced that, if they don't do these Non stop flood of Ceremonies, God will hate them, and they'll have terrible Luck! In the mean time, the Schools don't have enough funds, the plastic rubbish piles high, The traffic is becoming a nightmare! This problem is not an easy one to fix. I can only help a few people, They really need to focus on what's most important. Their Religion, or food on the table? They must Hold their officials accountable! Don't get me wrong. I respect that if they feel so strongly about their religion, that's OK., if it makes them happy.
Collecting money from Tourists is not the answer! Anyone have any suggestions ?

 

[Bob]

Good question? Where does the Tourist tax go also? Accountability?

Those are very different questions. You cited Mengwi's waste management improvements. What ultimately happens to that trash?

 

[pantaiema]

So what could schools do then to raise needed funds? Waiting for the central government would be futile.

You might have missed my previous postings then:
At State university Level. Post #16 & Post#38 respectively.

Quality of Healthcare and Physicians

Our nephew, a student in Bandung, played a friendly game of basketball and made a wrong move. Torn ligaments of course. To be safe he went to an orthopedist who claimed he needed surgery. And soon. It would cost 100 juta (approx. $6,500, €6.000), payable before the operation. His father...

www.expatindo.org

UK's "Prevent Strategy" linked to rights abuses in Indonesia

University of Indonesia In 1946, the Dutch colonial government established the Nood Universiteit or Emergency University at Jakarta. In 1947, the name was changed to Universiteit van Indonesië (UVI) or Universitas Indonesia. The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) "The history of engineering...

www.expatindo.org

At School Children Level, Post #40
The Teachers embezzled saving from their own school children, could you believe that ??. The saving of these elementary school children is intended to fund their education in the next level, the junior high school, so for their future.

Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks

Indonesian Communication minister arrested in connection with huge corruption scandal "...causing a huge hole in the public treasury." o_O

www.expatindo.org

These aren’t just isolated incidents, but there are countless similar cases. It almost feels like this behaviour has evolved into a sub-culture. It doesn’t seem to matter if the funds belong to school children, the military, or the police. They act like it’s money passed down from their ancestors, their 'engkong'

Keep in mind the local government have collected numerous local taxes.
a few to name Hotel, Restaurant, Entertainment, Advertisement, Parking, Groundwater, Tax on Non-Metal Minerals and Rocks, etc. Also vast majority of them are civil servants. The civil servant, state university lecturers, school teachers are paid by the central government by all taxpayers.

I’m not necessarily against raising funds for development, but until this issue is resolved, they shouldn't be allowed to collect more money directly from the public. It's important to remember that funds collected by local governments or schools often face less scrutiny and accountability. Action is only taken when it's too late, when going viral and all the money has gone.

 

[pantaiema]

Collecting money from Tourists is not the answer! Anyone have any suggestions ?

I believe you have already touched on the answer yourself in post #25 when you mentioned, “ ... If Indonesia makes so much money from coal, palm oil, zinc mining…”

To add on that, let’s not forget other valuable resources: copper, nickel, gold, marine wealth, timber, and other forest products. Unlike countries surrounded by deserts or those locked in cold climates year-round, Indonesia is also fortunate to have fertile, humitable land throughout the archipelago.

As former minister Mahfud MD once pointed out, if corruption in the mining sector alone were eliminated, every Indonesian household could potentially receive Rp. 20 million per month, without even having to work. Imagine how many schools, roads, waste collection points, recycling centre could you have with this money.

 

[Nicho]

In the Missus hamlet, 40 km south of Banyuwangi, there is no garbage collection.
Hence the people throw everything in the small stream (about 3 m wide) that goes through it.
The same stream in which they swim, bathe, wash clothes, shit and wash the dog.
We have bought a concrete ring, the style used for underground waste water or drainage, and burn the garbage in there.
Well as long she is there, because I am sure when she is not there it's back to all in the river....
And in a place where a daily worker in the fields or construction earns 75k a day, good luck trying to convince them to pay 1 day salary per month for garbage collection !

There is also no water distribution system, everybody has a well. Cable internet has arrived 2 years ago, before it was by SIM card.

I'm about 50 km south of Banyuwangi , Grajagan Pantai . Same problem here until recently , we had a garbage collection service start here , 15,000rp a month . Collected every second day but the rubbish all gets dumped along the side of the road just out of town and burnt , the stench is putrid driving into or out of town . Still a lot of people dump in the storm water canals and mangroves down the back of town which causes flooding in the lower part of the village spreading the rubbish everywhere every time we get heavy rain but they keep dumping there . Burning rubbish in the street and bbq-ing fish over it is a daily event , all the scraps get left for the feral chooks , cats , dogs , rats to have a party in . Every river , stream , from here to Purwoharjo is choked with rubbish , which all gets washed into the big river every time it rains where 100's of people collect shell fish and have aquaculture businesses a lot of which goes to Bali. And they wonder why Bali Belly is a big problem !! Big new boat harbour built here recently is already a cess pit from fishermen and weekend visitors throwing there rubbish everywhere ."NOT A BIN OR RUBBISH SKIP IN THE WHOLE AREA " . I've emailed every government dept , environmental " Save the world" organisation trying to get some help , something put into the education system , someone to come and talk to village officials with not one reply !! Local authorities put up big signs at all the river / streams . "Dilarang Buang Sampah Disini " only for them to be torn down and thrown in to the river/streams with all the other rubbish . Street parade decorations all end up in the big river just out of town . Tonnes of saw dust /wood chips get thrown off the bridge , building rubbish etc all goes into the river . It's never ending and 99% of the people don't care !!

 

[pantaiema]

I'm about 50 km south of Banyuwangi , Grajagan Pantai . Same problem here until recently , we had a garbage collection service start here , 15,000rp a month . Collected every second day but the rubbish all gets dumped along the side of the road just out of town and burnt , the stench is putrid driving into or out of town . Still a lot of people dump in the storm water canals and mangroves down the back of town which causes flooding in the lower part of the village spreading the rubbish everywhere every time we get heavy rain but they keep dumping there . Burning rubbish in the street and bbq-ing fish over it is a daily event , all the scraps get left for the feral chooks , cats , dogs , rats to have a party in . Every river , stream , from here to Purwoharjo is choked with rubbish , which all gets washed into the big river every time it rains where 100's of people collect shell fish and have aquaculture businesses a lot of which goes to Bali. And they wonder why Bali Belly is a big problem !! Big new boat harbour built here recently is already a cess pit from fishermen and weekend visitors throwing there rubbish everywhere ."NOT A BIN OR RUBBISH SKIP IN THE WHOLE AREA " . I've emailed every government dept , environmental " Save the world" organisation trying to get some help , something put into the education system, someone to come and talk to village officials with not one reply !! Local authorities put up big signs at all the river / streams . "Dilarang Buang Sampah Disini " only for them to be torn down and thrown in to the river/streams with all the other rubbish . Street parade decorations all end up in the big river just out of town . Tonnes of saw dust /wood chips get thrown off the bridge , building rubbish etc all goes into the river . It's never ending and 99% of the people don't care !!

A lack of awareness definitely plays a role, but it doesn’t appear to be the main problem. Just take a look at the garbage in the public market. All the waste is thrown in the designated area outside the market, but it's left there to rot and stink because it’s not collected regularly. So, who's failing to do their job here? If you get regular rubbish collection in your areas, good for you. But just imagine if it is not regularly collected and they just burn in front of someone's house.

They only take action when the issue gets media attention. And this is just one example among many.

Tumpukan Sampah di Pasar Comal, Warga Keluhkan Bau hingga Lalat dan Belatung

Tumpukan sampah menggunung di kompleks Pasar Comal, Pemalang. Warga mengeluhkan bau tidak sedap dan memicu munculnya lalat serta belatung.

www.detik.com

Regarding education ? Basic education is compulsory and provided free of charge for all children, and the majority of households have received this level of schooling. The question is, how can education influence people's choices when it comes to waste disposal? Is it to choose between properly throwing away their trash in designated spots just a few meters from home, or secretly dumping it in the river or on the roadside ? Dumping it in the river or on the roadside requires more effort, it often has to be done under the cover of night to avoid being filmed, and it also involves additional fuel costs. I think people are dumping it by the roadsides, rivers because they have left with no other option.

Training sessions, and meetings are often major sources for corruption in Indonesia. This has been brought to attention by the former president Joko Widodo. These can be exploited at every level, consider things like lunches and dinners for all participants, hospitality services, transportation, inflated accommodation bookings, and marked-up travel expenses. How many extra garbage collection services, how many garbage containers could be could be added to address this garbage issue rather than adding the cost for unnecessary education ??

 

[Balifrog]

I'm about 50 km south of Banyuwangi , Grajagan Pantai

Missus village is Bangorejo.
Grajagan Beach (I think) is where they go now and then for a day at the beach or fishing.

 

[fastpitch17]

In Bandar Lampung we have a mixed bag for trash disposal. In our area and most areas there is trash collection regulated by the Lurah and managed by the RTs. For us it is three times a week pick up for Rp30,000 per month. Still, there are a few that feel for some reason they shouldn't have to pay that fee. In our neighborhood the reasoning is not that they can not afford it, they all can. Instead of getting trash picked up they carry their bags to the drainage culvert and just toss them in. Some don't even bother with a bag. Water steadily moves when it rains but when it's dry the trash can pile up and feed the rats. Complaining to our RT about anything is a total waste of time.

The trash that is collected is taken to an area and then that area is picked up by larger trucks and then taken to the landfill daily. In the South of Bandar Lampung, while do offer trash pick up, many still throw their trash in the Bay where it stays for a long time. But hey, the government must not care since they say nothing about all the houses that have popped up over the bay in stilts with the bay being their toilets. Guess since the kids still swim between the turds and people net fishing all must be OK.

I'm not going to get into education right now but that person who stated that, "Regarding education ? Basic education is compulsory and provided free of charge for all children, and the majority of households have received this level of schooling." Has absolutely no knowledge of what he's talking about. All education, no matter the level comes with cost. Some legal, some not so. As for compulsory, then why are there so many with just a grade school education and most with only a middle school education?

 

[Shadrach]

In Bandar Lampung we have a mixed bag for trash disposal. In our area and most areas there is trash collection regulated by the Lurah and managed by the RTs. For us it is three times a week pick up for Rp30,000 per month. Still, there are a few that feel for some reason they shouldn't have to pay that fee. In our neighborhood the reasoning is not that they can not afford it, they all can. Instead of getting trash picked up they carry their bags to the drainage culvert and just toss them in. Some don't even bother with a bag. Water steadily moves when it rains but when it's dry the trash can pile up and feed the rats. Complaining to our RT about anything is a total waste of time.

The trash that is collected is taken to an area and then that area is picked up by larger trucks and then taken to the landfill daily. In the South of Bandar Lampung, while do offer trash pick up, many still throw their trash in the Bay where it stays for a long time. But hey, the government must not care since they say nothing about all the houses that have popped up over the bay in stilts with the bay being their toilets. Guess since the kids still swim between the turds and people net fishing all must be OK.

I'm not going to get into education right now but that person who stated that, "Regarding education ? Basic education is compulsory and provided free of charge for all children, and the majority of households have received this level of schooling." Has absolutely no knowledge of what he's talking about. All education, no matter the level comes with cost. Some legal, some not so. As for compulsory, then why are there so many with just a grade school education and most with only a middle school education?

It seems the problem lies with the Government not being accountable. They should provide steady, regular garbage pick up! Every place that has people living, making commerce, should have several large bins. One for organic material that can be composted, one for all paper products, then one for plastics. Then the schools and Banjars should educate everyone to use the proper bin for what they dispose of. If this was properly done. i think most of the people would comply! Of course there will be Idiots, that just don't give a damn of Bali is a stinky cesspool! These people should not be allowed to Breed!
It's past time, the Governments make the Plastic industries pay for the disposal of Plastics they sell, and makes Millions of Dollars from! And then the Government actually use these funds to keep Indonesia Clean! But probably it will stay the same. No one Gives A Damn! A lot of empty words, and keep the money in their corrupt pockets!

 

[Bob]

You might have missed my previous postings then:
At State university Level. Post #16 & Post#38 respectively.

Quality of Healthcare and Physicians

Our nephew, a student in Bandung, played a friendly game of basketball and made a wrong move. Torn ligaments of course. To be safe he went to an orthopedist who claimed he needed surgery. And soon. It would cost 100 juta (approx. $6,500, €6.000), payable before the operation. His father...

www.expatindo.org

UK's "Prevent Strategy" linked to rights abuses in Indonesia

University of Indonesia In 1946, the Dutch colonial government established the Nood Universiteit or Emergency University at Jakarta. In 1947, the name was changed to Universiteit van Indonesië (UVI) or Universitas Indonesia. The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) "The history of engineering...

www.expatindo.org

At School Children Level, Post #40
The Teachers embezzled saving from their own school children, could you believe that ??. The saving of these elementary school children is intended to fund their education in the next level, the junior high school, so for their future.

Indonesia & Corruption: a few articles in the past few weeks

Indonesian Communication minister arrested in connection with huge corruption scandal "...causing a huge hole in the public treasury." o_O

www.expatindo.org

These aren’t just isolated incidents, but there are countless similar cases. It almost feels like this behaviour has evolved into a sub-culture. It doesn’t seem to matter if the funds belong to school children, the military, or the police. They act like it’s money passed down from their ancestors, their 'engkong'

Keep in mind the local government have collected numerous local taxes.
a few to name Hotel, Restaurant, Entertainment, Advertisement, Parking, Groundwater, Tax on Non-Metal Minerals and Rocks, etc. Also vast majority of them are civil servants. The civil servant, state university lecturers, school teachers are paid by the central government by all taxpayers.

I’m not necessarily against raising funds for development, but until this issue is resolved, they shouldn't be allowed to collect more money directly from the public. It's important to remember that funds collected by local governments or schools often face less scrutiny and accountability. Action is only taken when it's too late, when going viral and all the money has gone.

The question remains.

 

[pantaiema]

I'm not going to get into education right now but that person who stated that, "Regarding education ? Basic education is compulsory and provided free of charge for all children, and the majority of households have received this level of schooling." Has absolutely no knowledge of what he's talking about. All education, no matter the level comes with cost. Some legal, some not so. As for compulsory, then why are there so many with just a grade school education and most with only a middle school education?

What about the garbage It is already thrown in the designated area outside the public market, but it is left there to rot and stink because it is not collected regularly. Also keep in mind there are already a lot of educational program on the national TV showing environmental impact of dumping rubbish illegally such as flooding. This is one of many examples.
Palembang Residents Asked Not To Throw Garbage On The Road Side

In this news report, the local government spokesman admit that the reason people are disposing of their trash in that area is due to the lack of nearby waste containers. They say they plan to add more waste collection points and strengthen enforcement to tackle the problem. But is this action only coming after media exposure? What happens if public pressure dies down, will the efforts continue or fade away?

Is it still about education ???
Illegally dumping waste in rivers or by the roadside, demands more effort. It often has to be done at night to avoid surveillance, and it comes with extra fuel expenses. I believe people resort to this because they feel they have no other alternative.

In Indonesia, every citizen is required to complete twelve years of mandatory education e.g. six years in elementary school, followed by three years each in middle and high school. It is stated in the Law UU_No_20_2003 on the National Education System. While there are still a few children who don't attend school due to parental pressure to work, their numbers are very small, as reflected in Indonesia's high literacy rate, which now exceeds 98%. So they definitely could read and / or watch educational program on TV.

Tuition at state schools is officially free. Although teachers and principals, as civil servants, receive their salaries from the government and the school facilities are funded by the state, some public schools still impose additional charges on parents. However, this is a separate issue that needs to be addressed.

It is understandable that people do not like it when they see piles of garbage on the streets, rivers they pass by every day, especially when their own waste is collected regularly. However, unless the root problem holding the local government accountable for providing more waste collection points, regularly serviced and recycling centres is addressed, the issue will persist.

 

[Shadrach]

What about the garbage It is already thrown in the designated area outside the public market, but it is left there to rot and stink because it is not collected regularly. Also keep in mind there are already a lot of educational program on the national TV showing environmental impact of dumping rubbish illegally such as flooding. This is one of many examples.

Is it still about education ???
Illegally dumping waste in rivers or by the roadside, demands more effort. It often has to be done at night to avoid surveillance, and it comes with extra fuel expenses. I believe people resort to this because they feel they have no other alternative.

In Indonesia, every citizen is required to complete twelve years of mandatory education e.g. six years in elementary school, followed by three years each in middle and high school. It is stated in the Law UU_No_20_2003 on the National Education System. While there are still a few children who don't attend school due to parental pressure to work, their numbers are very small, as reflected in Indonesia's high literacy rate, which now exceeds 98%. So they definitely could read and / or watch educational program on TV.

Tuition at state schools is officially free. Although teachers and principals, as civil servants, receive their salaries from the government and the school facilities are funded by the state, some public schools still impose additional charges on parents. However, this is a separate issue that needs to be addressed.

This sounds so nice, but Hey, just open your eyes and look around. You will see children that already are moving up year after year in school but can't even count to TEN! And are already in the fifth grade! This should not be allowed! Where is the accountability of the teachers and administrators? Without a proper education, what type of work are they going to be able to do? Push a broom all day, clean rooms, pump petrol, grow rice, sit at a market stall and sell a bungkus?
In these Modern times, where almost everyone has a Smartphone, there is no excuse for such ignorance!

 

[pantaiema]

This sounds so nice, but Hey, just open your eyes and look around. You will see children that already are moving up year after year in school but can't even count to TEN! And are already in the fifth grade! This should not be allowed! Where is the accountability of the teachers and administrators? Without a proper education, what type of work are they going to be able to do? Push a broom all day, clean rooms, pump petrol, grow rice, sit at a market stall and sell a bungkus?
In these Modern times, where almost everyone has a Smartphone, there is no excuse for such ignorance!

Basic literacy and numeracy are different skills. Education about basic Sanitation and environmental education does not need much skills in numeracy. Advanced numeracy often depends on natural ability and, to some extent, intelligence. That is why many people can successfully complete degrees in subjects like social sciences or history, while others find it much harder to get through STEM or accounting and finance degree.

As for the concern about children already being in the fifth grade and can not count to ten, this could be an isolated case?. There is no clear evidence suggesting that numeracy skills across schools for ordinary children are consistent at that level. Who knows, the one you encounter might be retarded, have disability no wonder. But retarded children, children with disability are anywhere across the globe.

 

[serious_fun]

In Indonesia, every citizen is required to complete twelve years of mandatory education e.g. six years in elementary school, followed by three years each in middle and high school. It is stated in the Law UU_No_20_2003 on the National Education System.

In 2023 only ~40 percent of Indonesians aged 15 years and above had completed senior high school.

Indo has a HUGE number of adults with only a primary school education.

(I'm not criticizing those poor people, nor do I know the circumstances surrounding the lack of education)

...Indonesia's high literacy rate, which now exceeds 98%. So they definitely could read and / or watch educational program on TV.

high literacy rates?? I'd love to see the assessment items that determined that.

Indonesian schools are consistently ranked in the bottom 20% of the world. TEACHERS HERE ARE HORRIBLE...the poor students!! What kind of future will they have with such a system?

I'll attach screen shot taken from an online assessment developed/written by a (supposedly) well-respected school in West Java. I can assure you that this question was typical of the assessment...my kids and I didn't know whether to howl with laughter or bang our heads on the wall at such rubbish.