Bali Post Poll Shows Overwhelming Support for Governor to Bring Free-Wielding Bupatis Into Line on Zoning Violations
A poll conducted by Bali Post among 375 respondents in Bali showed widespread support for legal steps to be taken against government officials found to have exceeded their authority and issued permits and licenses in contradiction of current zoning and building regulations. Telling pollsters that officials who trample on zoning regulations have no commitment to protecting Bali, 80.6% percent of those participating in the poll called for legal measures to be taken against such officials.
The Bali Post poll was conducted following recent well-publicized allegations in the local press that the Regents (Bupatis) of Badung, Karangasem, Tabanan and Buleleng have abused their authority in issuing building permits and operating licenses on projects that violate of provincial building rules.
A follow-on question in the same poll asked respondents if they supported Regents (Bupatis) and municipal mayors in Bali who ignored warnings and instructions form Bali's governor connected to nature conservancy. That question received a resounding 82.1% response from the public who did not wish to see lower ranking government officials ignore instructions issued by Bali's governor. Those responding with additional comments said they did not want to see Bali’s newfound "regional autonomy" used to allow local government to do as they please, ignoring island-wide commitments to preserve the natural environment.