Who’s in Charge?

(12/4/2011)

The East Bali Cruise Terminal at Tanah Ampo in Karangasem fails to meet international standards, according to the Vice President of Operations for the Singapore Cruise Center, Jay Peng Seng Joon.

Peng’s commits were made on Thursday, December 1, 2011, during a visit to the pier at the Tanah Ampo facility. He pointed to the still outstanding need for a substantial amount of supporting infrastructure at the port, including an international standard terminal.

Peng offered his office's help in providing advice and input to their Balinese counterparts on how to bring Tanah Ampo port up to international standards, including making the pier useable by large cruise ships and enlarging the land area to accommodate parking and a modern cruise terminal.

The present dock is inadequate for large international cruise ships, compelling ships to drop anchor in the adjoining waters and ferry passengers to shore in tenders. The recently built pier was constructed with little mind to the length of the ships visiting the port. Peng added, “we would be interested in investing in the management of this facility if it were supported by an international standard infrastructure.”

The regent of Karangasem, I Wayan Geredeg, admitted to the visiting Singaporean that the Tanah Ampo facility was not representatives, unable to handle large ships. He said and additional Rp. 200 billion (US$22.2 million) was needed to bring the cruise port facility up to standard.

Geredeg told the press that the Central Government has plans to provide funding for the cruise port project, saying he hoped that by 2012 large cruise ships would be able to come alongside the pier.

The regent for Karangaem was unable to respond to the offer of possible investment in the facility by Singapore interests, claiming it still remains unclear whether the regional government, provincial government or central government holds legal claim to operate the port. The regional government of Karangasem provided the land for the new port facility and the access road; the provincial government of Bali funded the building of the cruise terminal; and the central government paid for the pier.

Explained Geredeg: “To address the issue of management (of the port) there needs to be a clear regulation authorizing the regional government of Karangasem to operate the cruise terminal. If such a regulation is in place, the Karangasem administration is ready to work with any party, including the Singapore Cruise Center or other international cruise operations.”

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