DENPASAR (indo.com): Bali's proposed cable car project is still hanging in the wind as locals have mixed reactions to it.

The Rp300bn project was proposed by Buleleng Regent Wirata Sindhu on October 29, 2001. The idea was to run a cable car over 10km skimming the rainforest and above mountain villages, including Wanagiri and Munduk. The attraction would be offered as part of an eco-package along with the Bedugul Botanical gardens tour.

However, the seemingly good idea has run into oposition from Hindus who are concerned that the cable car would pass over numerous temples on its tour. This is seen as inappropriate as there are fears that it will demean the holiness of the temples. "That kind of thing is taboo" said Sandyasa, a member of local representative assembly.

Meanwhile, an expert on Balinese tourism Ida Ayu Agung Mas also disagreed with the project, saying that it would not fit into Balinese society and may damage the surrounding environment. Other observers have pointed out that the project could proceed if investors took into account the potential impact on local people's deeply-rooted cultural and spiritual beliefs.

Whether or not the project will finally proceed will depend entirely on the Balinese people.