Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Deputy Governor of Bali Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati has urged the House of Representatives (DPR RI) to expedite deliberations on the Bali Province Bill so as to allow its inclusion in the 2022 National Legislation Program.
"Passing the Bali Province Bill into law would provide a legal basis for economic recovery and development in Bali, particularly in the province's tourism sector and its related components," Sukawati stated while receiving a delegation from the DPR RI Legislation Body here on Monday.
Bali was among the worst-affected provinces during the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia, the deputy governor pointed out.
"Bali experienced a deep economic decline, particularly in the province's tourism sector, therefore, the passing of the Bali Province Bill is urgent for us," Sukawati said.
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Head of Commission II of the Bali Legislative Assembly (DPRD), Anak Agung Adhi Ardana, and deputy head of the Bali Customary Village Assembly, Made Wena, concurred with the deputy governor and urged quick deliberations on the bill.
"The bill ought not to be contentious as it does not confer any special status to Bali province, and the bill would only regulate protection for our province's potentials," Adhi Ardana stated.
Made Wena reiterated the importance of the Bali Province Bill, saying the province has diverse and specific customs distinct from other Indonesian provinces.
Responding to their requests, DPR Legislation Body deputy head H Ibnu Multazam, who led the delegation, said the legislation body needs to first complete the harmonization process to synchronize the bill with various public inputs and promised quick deliberations on the bill.
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He then explained the urgency for the bill's passing to replace the currently enforced legal basis for establishing the province that is based on the Republic the United States of Indonesia (RIS) (1949-1950) legal system.
Besides seeking the regional government's inputs on the Bali Province Bill, the DPR Legislation Body will also seek inputs on the New and Renewable Energy Bill during its visit, he informed. The Bali deputy governor voiced his support for the renewable energy bill.
