bali to be more muslim friendly as per indonesia's tourism minister's plan

Bali will have to go through several changes to accommodate Muslim tourists as per the future plan of Indonesia's new Tourism and Creative Economy Minister. The focus is to develop the country's top destination such as Bali for halal tourism as per the plan shared earlier this month.

“Many parts of Indonesia are not Muslim [majority]. Such as [Lake] Toba and Bali. There we will provide places of worship and wudhu (ablution) so that they will be comfortable,” Wishnutama Kusubandio said on Tuesday, as quoted by Sindo News.

Hindus are the majority in Bali with over 80% percent of population according to 2010 census data from Central Statistics Agency (BPS). Whereas the Christians are a majority in Lake Toba, a famous tourist destination in Toba Samosir district of North Sumatra. 

The motives behind government's plan of Bali's transformation towards a more muslim friendly destination are not clear. However the statement issued by Wishnutama’s has stirred up a mixed reaction on Social Media.

Ari Astana, Bali's famous punk rock Icon commonly known as Jerinx of the Band superman is dead who is already famous for outspoken and controversial activism shared his comments on the social media.

“Resistance must begin now before Bali turns into a toilet for foreign tourists,” Jerinx wrote on Instagram. 

Another user pointed out that Bali has always been a friendly destination however another person highlighted that the hospitality should be extended to people of other faiths as well.

“It should be made friendly for Hindus, Buddhists, Confucianists, Catholics, Christian [Protestants], Javanism, etc… Why should it be divided? Such a tendency for exclusivity,” another said. 

So far its been a hot and a mix debate to the point where governor of Bali has shared his thoughts on this decision as well. What do you think about this decision? Do you agree or disagree?