PRESIDENT STRESSES NEED FOR GOOD INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES IN BALI

Denpasar, June 14 (ANTARA) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stressed the importance of building good infrastructure facilities on the Indonesian resort island of Bali to improve the local people's welfare.

The president made the statement here on Saturday at a function to dedicate a number of infrastructure projects including coastal safety, irrigation, sports and sewage treatment facilities.

"If infrastructure facilities here are constructed in a proper manner, they will improve Bali's image in the eyes of the international community," Yudhoyono said.

He added infrastructure development would also facilitate the local people's livelihood in a number of fields, including economy.

The head of state noted that the promotion of Bali's natural beauty should also be supported by a clean and healthy environment.

The president and his entourage arrived here aboard a Garuda Indonesia Boeing 737-500 from Halim Perdanakusuma military airport in Jakarta at 11 am on Saturday for a two-day working visit.

The president's entourage included First Lady Ani Yudhoyono, Public Works Minister Djoko Kirmanto, Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Aburizal Bakrie, Social Services Minister Bachtiar Chamsiyah, Agriculture Minister Anton Apriyanto, Cabinet Secretary Sudi Silalahi, and presidential spokesman Andi Malarangeng.

After dedicating the development projects, the head of state
is also scheduled to open the 30th Balinese Traditional Arts Festival (PKB) in the evening.

Some 12 foreign ambassadors based in Jakarta are also expected to attend the annual cultural event.

The 12 foreign ambassadors are among others from the United States, Japan, Singapore, India, South Korea, Thailand, Britain, and Malaysia.

After the working visit, President Yudhoyono will proceed to Balikpapan and Bontang in East Kalimantan on Sunday.