Bali vs Russia
Ok, so I called this issue a long time ago on my blog. The massive influx of any one nationality will cause problems. From the Russian menus to the infinitely high number of Russian language Instagram ads… Now with direct flights from Russia as well, Bali is F@cked.
It is clear that Bali has been invaded.
Let’s be clear about this. From my previous apartment complex in Jimbaran to my current location in Nusa Dua, something is up. There are hoards of Russian families staying long-term, which is not cheap. Yes, they are spending money here in Bali and possibly even working legally. But they are not integrating into the community.
Same As back Home
This is the same immigration issue facing Canada, where the hoards of Indian immigrants are recreating the same world as they have left. Like the Russians who are not taking up the local language and ceremonies, the Indian influx in Canada faces the same issue. They are not blending into the local life, they are not learning the language, and not contributing to the Bali way of life. In fact, they are helping to destroy and dilute it. The Balinese are also to blame for allowing it. The same way the Canadian government is allowing it. It is leading to the slow erosion of the local community and the local way of life. Money rules and money is power.
Money Rules.
As long as the locals are given the money for land and villas the expansion will continue. Yes, this is common sense, there are buyers and sellers but…
When the land that is being given up is no longer leasehold it is gone. Each generation used to look out for the other in Bali. I too am a foreigner and I too am an immigrant here. The only difference is, I integrate and try and learn the language. When one allows the mass influx of any certain group of people, the rules begin to change and that is seen daily. Drunkenness, traffic laws not being enforced and people not obeying them. People are allowed to do stupid things because, well they are tourists having fun. Fun for now but not for long!
Just Wait…
Same as the rooster problem in my previous blog nearly a year ago, the rules will slowly be bent depending on who has more money, and more power. Bali and the Balinese need to be careful, they need to understand that this time it’s different. You are dealing with a much larger problem than you think.
It is time for them to act and put people in their place. This will not affect the future of tourism. But people come to Bali to be in Bali. The Island Of The Gods or The Island of the Russians? Well, this remains to be seen… For all of you who are wondering, my family came to Canada when I was ten. We fit in built a business and employed thousands of immigrants from all over the world. We integrated and didn’t hang around any Hungarians except a handful. When I came to Indonesia once more nearly 6 years ago, I did my best to learn the language and fit in. These little things along with helping locals make a big difference and this is where many new immigrants here are not helping.
