Geothermal Project Rejected for Religious Reasons

Denpasar (Antara Bali) - Bali has rejected the central government`s plan to build a geothermal power plant in Bedugul, Tabanan, due to a religious reason.

The province`s governor, I Made Mangku Pastika said here on Sunday he would stick to his decision to reject the development of the plant.

"I think it is a local wisdom that we must uphold and until now my response (towards the plan) is still no," he said on the sidelines of inspection on the implementation of Bali Festival in Denpasar, the capital of the province.

Pastika said there are still other green sources such as water, solar energy and waves that could be exploited for it. "It may be more expensive but it also has a price," he said.

The governor said the main reason for his decision is that because mountains, forests, beaches, lakes and estuaries are holy areas. "The Balinese people and I could not as yet accept it. So, I apologize for that," he said.

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. (*/M038)