On Wednesday, July 24, 2024, the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Regional Representative Council (DPD RI), and the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) held a series of Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) titled "Realizing a New Era of Bali through the Economic Transformation of Kerthi Bali towards Golden Indonesia 2045" at the UID Bali Campus Auditorium, within the Kura-Kura Bali Special Economic Zone (KEK). Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, Deputy for Economic Affairs at Bappenas, revealed that they are finalizing the draft of the National Long-Term Development Plan Law (RPJPN) 2025-2045 towards Golden Indonesia, in collaboration with the Chairman of the Legislative Body of the DPR, Supratman Andi Agtas. One of the key showcases for this development agenda is the Economic Transformation of Kerthi Bali. KEK Kura-Kura Bali represents a collaboration between the government, private sector, and community, building a future-oriented Bali characterized by its cultural uniqueness. The area features future technology, advanced education, quality tourism, sustainability, and is supported by the creative economy.
However, Amalia acknowledged several challenges to the Economic Transformation of Kerthi Bali, primarily raising awareness among the Balinese community. She emphasized the need for collaboration across all societal layers, including the community, government, legislature, and political entities, to foster transformation. The private initiative of KEK Kura-Kura Bali should be supported by the government as it reflects private investment contributing to sustainable regional development and addressing future challenges. Additionally, infrastructure development is crucial to reduce the disparity between North and South Bali, along with improvements in education, poverty alleviation, and job creation. Supratman Andi Agtas, Chairman of the Legislative Body of the DPR, mentioned that Bappenas presented data on seven economic corridors in Indonesia, including the economic corridor of Bali and Nusa Tenggara, to ensure thematic development within these corridors, particularly regarding the Economic Transformation of Kerthi Bali. Furthermore, Tantowi Yahya, President of UID Kura-Kura Bali Campus, expressed that Bappenas provided an opportunity during the FGD for his institution to present to the DPR RI and DPD RI. The presentation focused on the contributions and connections between KEK Kura-Kura Bali and UID in the preparation of the RPJM, particularly in drafting the Golden Indonesia 2045 Law.
