A new recreational site - Kertalangu Cultural
Village - is being developed in Kesiman Kertalangu, Padang Galak, East
Denpasar, by hundreds of local
farmers under the coordination of the
village head. On the side of the thoroughfare will be a shop selling
ornamental plants and earthenware and not far from the shop an open-air
restaurant with a stage and a sound system.The two have been assisted by Kesiman Kertalangu
village head Wayan Warka, whose role is to secure the support and
commitment of 200-odd farmers.
Tourism has been driving business development here, while other
supporting business activities include the production of ceramics,
earthenware, candles, incense and glass ornaments. At the end of the jogging track, visitors will also be able to observe the production process of the above-mentioned goods. He said the Kertalangu Cultural Village had been
established as a means of preserving the dozens of hectares of paddy
fields in the center of the city.
Besides protecting the local farming culture, the
development of the recreation site is also intended to help improve the
welfare of local farmers. nder an agreement with local farmers, 5 percent of
profits for the operation of the village will be managed by the farmers
through a cooperative named Sarin Bumi. The term of the agreement between the management and the farmers is 30 years.
"A number of parties - both in the government and the private sector - have expressed their readiness to help. An Australian businessman is also interested in our organic produce," he said.