Cabinet approves opening of consulate general of India in Indonesia

New Delhi, Nov 4 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today approved the opening of a Consulate General of India (CGI) at Bali in Indonesia.

The Consulate General of India will strengthen India's traditional bonds with Bali and also improve its protocol, commercial and consular presence in the island.

This will provide an impetus to the commercial interaction between India and Bali in Indonesia.

The CGI in Bali will also be beneficial to the local PIO community, which comprises over 230 families within Bali itself, apart from some more Indian and PIO families in neighbouring East and South Kalimantan.

The proposed consulate will entail an annual recurring expenditure of about ' 1,77,01,569/- per anum. In addition, there shall be one time expenditure of ' 33,02,344/-.

An Indian cultural centre was established in Bali in 2004, which has done exemplary work in propagating yoga, Indian culture and performing arts.

With the increasing popularity of Bali as a holiday destination, the number of Indian tourists going to Bali has also swelled to about 20,000 every year. This has put enormous pressure on the meagre resources of the Indian cultural centre in Bali. (ANI)