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SANDIAGA UNO: WHEN CAN BALI REOPEN FOR TOURISTS? THIS IS MY ANSWER

THE INDONESIA’S Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, said that four pre-conditions for Bali to reopen. First, the progress of vaccination has reached 75 to 80% of the target. Currently, the progress of vaccination in Bali has reached 91.02% for the first dose and 36% for the second dose.

“Second, the increase in new cases and the conditions for the spread of COVID-19. During a meeting with President Joko Widodo a month and a half ago, it was stated that the COVID-19 situation was only under control if the number was below 100 new cases per day. In addition, the bed occoupancy rate must also be below 40 to 50%,” he said.

Third, continued Sandiaga, expansion of testing and tracing. Fourth, the preparation and willingness of the industry to implement end-to-end Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE). The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has prepared three tourist sites, namely Sanur, Ubud, and Nusa Dua as a form of preparation for the opening of Bali for tourists.

“We hope that this precondition can be achieved soon, in Sanur, Ubud and Nusa Dua. In addition, the Ministry of Tourism also continues to socialize the application of care to protect as a support for health protocols after PPKM Level IV. The application is equipped with information about vaccines, tracking and tracing, as well as improvement,” Sandiaga stated.

He explained, I believe the revival of Bali is a symbol of the revival after PPKM level IV, I hope this can be done before the G20 kicks off, which is before November. Also, I haven’t had an office in Bali for almost two months because of the presidential order to handle PPKM Level 4 in Java.

“Currently, the case of COVID-19 in Java has decreased and it is hoped that it will also occur in Bali AND Bali is being prepared for two major international events. The first is the G20 conference in November 2022 and it is proposed to be the location for world tourism day. The two events are expected to encourage Bali’s economic recovery,” he underlined.

Sandiaga added that, especially in the second quarter of 2021, Bali grew 5.73% on an annual basis. The positive trend of Bali’s economic growth began to be felt at the beginning of the year with 1,000 to 2,000 domestic tourist arrivals. The number rose to 8,000 to 10,000 domestic tourists as of June 2021.

“Today Angkasa Pura I Ngurah Rai announced the arrival of 1,800 domestic tourists for the first time, hopefully this will stretch again and become a positive trend for GDP and Bali’s creative economy to increase again,” he concluded. [photo special]