ABSTRACT
Indonesia is not only a populous country (234.7 million in 2007; CIA, 2011) of many islands, it also has the rare characteristic of just living within its biocapacity. A 2007 report showed the average ecological footprint (EF) was 1.07 global average hectares per person (gha/person) and the available biocapacity 1.12 gha/person (Ministry of Public Works, 2010: 29). However, within these averages there are wide differences. Although the island of Java, which contains the capital Jakarta, has an average EF of 1.01 gha/person, its biocapacity is only 0.2 gha/person, and the tourist island of Bali is also in deficit, with an EF of 1.76 gha/person and a biocapacity of 0.24 gha/person. All other major islands in Indonesia are in ecological reserve (Ministry of Public Works, 2010: 31). The Ministry of Public Works (2010: 11) notes that the higher footprint of Bali is due to its extensive local and international tourism activities. This should send a real warning to those who believe that western-style development can be had without higher environmental impact.
