Bali's foreign residents welcome census

Sun, May 02, 2010
The Jakarta Post/Asia News Network

Foreigners in the resort island of Bali took part in a month-long population census that was launched across the country this Saturday.

The St. Ange family from Britain, residents of Nusa Dua, were not at home when polling officers visited their residence in Nusa Dua area.

'When we came home, we found a census notification on our door,' Melly said.

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The family have been living in Bali for 25 years and are registered as Indonesian citizens. They live in a complex comprising 35 houses, mostly resided in by expatriate families.

'We are happy to answer questions. It is important to have demographic data that is up to date,' Melly said.

Head of the Bali Statistics Agency Ida Komang Wisnu said foreigners who have lived in Bali for more than six months, or those intending to reside in the province, would be included in the population census.

'Even though they don't have a registered ID card or are family card holders, the fact is that they live here,' he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

He said foreign citizens were receptive to the poll officers. Some even had a better understanding about the census than local residents. -The Jakarta Post/ANN