Gili Trawangan to Open Doors Anew to Tourists as It Records Zero Covid-19 New Infection

NORTH LOMBOK, KOMPAS.com – Three Gili Islands including Gili Trawangan in North Lombok is ready to welcome the return of tourists as the provincial government reports promising signs of mitigating the Covid-19 virus.

North Lombok Mayor Najmul Akhyar announced the news during a visit to Gili Trawangan Island June 13.

The local government earlier placed all three Gili Islands in lockdown. The islands were closed off to visitors and residents were prohibited from leaving the area.

With reports of zero Covid-19 cases, the Gili Islands are preparing for a new normal transition.

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The transition to a new normal will go into effect via a decree, which will include a standard operating procedure (SOP) on the arrival and departure of tourists or guests of the Gili Islands.

“We are temporarily opening one port for operations which is the Bangsal Port. Tourists won’t be able to enter the Gili islands via Bali, they will have to enter through the Bangsal Port in North Lombok,” said Najmul.

By welcoming tourists to the Gili Islands, an estimated 120 hotels and restaurants will reopen, giving back the livelihood of 4,000 workers.

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There are 140 foreigners living in the Gili Islands due to lockdown enforcement that apply to each respective country.

No exceptions

The reopening of the Gili Islands does not constitute leniency on the part of the government. Thus, tourists will be subject to nationwide health protocols to enter.

These include wearing a mask, observing physical distancing, and presenting a Covid-19-free letter.

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Najmul hopes that the new normal transition of the Gili Islands will be an example for other areas of West Nusa Tenggara.