Bali’s Interim Governor Mahendra Jaya closed out the year 2024 and the final days of his term of office with a “coffee morning” shared with friends and associates at the Governor’s Official Kertha Sabha Residence on Friday, 27 December 2024.
Governor Mahendra Jaya declared the purpose of the gathering as an opportunity to reflect on his interim term of office and, looking ahead, to outline the challenges ahead in 2025.
According to BeritaBali.com, the Governor, who was in a reflective mood, was pleased that two major elections—the General Election and Simultaneous Regional Elections—were successfully conducted in Bali under his tutelage.
Mahendra Jaya expressed his gratitude to the Balinese people and officialdom who contributed to the success of his administration. Referring to the regional elections, he added: “Let’s forget our differences. We now must strive together to wholeheartedly support the elected Balinese leader so that he can successfully carry out their mandate.”
The outgoing interim Governor says Bali still faces several key issues that demand urgent attention. Those key challenges include controlling inflation, remedying extreme poverty, alleviating poverty generally, eliminating stunting, controlling regional development, strengthening Balinese culture, and enhancing the Island’s human resources.
Regarding inflation control, Mahendra Jaya said Bali’s inflation was maintained at around 2.5%. While Bali’s inflation rate is generally above the national average of 1.55%, the Governor insists that the Island’s inflation rate is moderate, reflecting people’s purchasing power.
“The indicator is that the economy in Bali is growing above 5%, exceeding the national average. Likewise, investment entering Bali far exceeds targets,” he added.
Discussing extreme poverty, poverty, and the prevalence of stunting, Bali’s reigning Governor insists the figures in these areas are generally better when compared to the national average. Extreme poverty in Bali 2023 will be at 0.19%, below the national figure of 1.12%. Meanwhile, the percentage of poor people in Bali in 2024 is 4%, far below the national average of 9.03%.
The stunting rate in 2023 in Bali stood at 7.2%, while the national average approached 21.5%.
The Bali Provincial Government’s efforts to strengthen local culture are being addressed by including Balinese cultural elements in the school curriculum, encouraging quality tourism villages, and enhancing the role of the Bali Cultural Council.
As a parting comment, Mahendra Jaya invited the community to maintain peace and build Bali with the philosophy of Tri Hita Karana and Sad Kerthi.
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