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INDONESIA’S Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy stated that the Work From Bali (WFB) policy was not a trigger for the surge in COVID-19 cases in Bali.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, during an online Weekly Press Briefing, in Jakarta, Monday (6/28) said that the last few days I coordinated with the Governor and friends in Bali, we clarified that the WFB program was not a trigger increase in cases. The data we got from the Bali COVID-19 Task Force, shows that the dominance of the spike in cases was triggered by local transmission, which almost reached 84%.
“As is known, the WFB policy is only applied to three green zones, namely Sanur, Ubud and Nusa Dua. Meanwhile, the increase in cases occurred in different areas, namely Denpasar, Gianayar, Buleleng, and Tabanan. However, this policy will be re-evaluated, given the Circular from the Minister of Home Affairs which imposes restrictions on activities,” said Sandiaga.
In addition, Minister Sandiaga also encouraged the acceleration of vaccination and tightening of Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) based health protocols in creative economy destinations and centers, in coordination with local governments and related parties. Then, regarding the travel corridor arrangement, we continue to prepare, especially in terms of end-to-end CHSE.
“Of course, we will continue to prepare this travel corridor arrangement. Indeed, COVID-19 cases are increasing, but that doesn’t mean we stop preparing. We must continue to prepare, especially in terms of end-to-end CHSE, so as soon as foreign tourists land until they return home, we prepare and we involve other Ministries/Institutions. The plan is later that by adjusting the pandemic situation, we will improve coordination at the ministerial level to bring the final decision to the President after the COVID-19 preconditions are more conducive,” he explained.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster also emphasized that the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Bali was not due to the WFB program. I insist it has nothing to do with it at all. So this is indeed an increase because it is in line with the increase in community activity. Because right now in Bali the situation is like normal.
Wayan explained that many Balinese have been vaccinated. So, when tested positive for COVID-19, his recovery took place quickly. From the existing data, there are 1,408 active cases, 400 are hospitalized, the remaining 900 are undergoing centralized quarantine or self-isolation. Then those who died were very sloping under 5 people per day. Hopefully this can be controlled in a short time.
“As for the number of visits to Bali at this time, it still ranges from 8,000 to 9,000 per day. In accordance with the directives of the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Health and Transportation to tighten entry routes to Bali for domestic travel, the Bali Provincial Government issued a new Circular regarding the requirements for domestic tourists to enter Bali,” he stated.
He added, for tourists who use air transportation, only PCR-based swabs apply, then for land and sea transportation only antigen swabs are applied, for GeNose it is no longer valid.
“This circular letter will be effective on Wednesday, June 30, 2021. And to make sure the PCR/antigen swab certificate is genuine; it must be equipped with a QR-Code. To go to Bali is not limited, but must implement even stricter health protocols,” he added.
In addition, Wayan proposed that the implementation of the Tourism Grant Fund be accelerated for tourism players and the creative economy, which was budgeted at IDR3.7 trillion nationally. Many tourism and creative economy players want to immediately use it for the sustainability of their business.
In addition, the proposed soft loan that has been launched can be followed up. As is known, tourism and creative business actors in Bali through Governor Wayan Koster have proposed financing of IDR9 trillion to the central government.
Tourism and creative economy players in Bali through Wayan also submitted a request to be given an extension of the installment payment period, because the Financial Services Authority regulation will end in March 2022. However, specifically for Bali, it is estimated that March 2022 will most likely not be able to carry out the installment payments, due to situational constraints COVID-19 pandemic.
“Of course, we hope this can apply to all tourism actors and the creative economy in Indonesia. However, at least there is for Bali because its condition is very bad due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” he hoped.
Regarding the reopening of Bali, which is targeted by the President at the end of July, Governor Wayan Koster hopes that this will continue as expected. Therefore, it is hoped that a Coordination Meeting will be held in the near future. [traveltext.id]
