Bali Tourism Remains Closed Amid Pandemic

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – The Bali tourism sector remains closed as the Island of the Gods focuses on mitigating the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bali has been relatively spared from the worst of the Covid-19 virus infections, but the island has yet to lower the number of infections.

The local government has expressed its commitment to mitigating the spread of infection first before considering plans on kickstarting Bali tourism plans.

Also Read: WHO Cautions Indonesia on New Normal Preparations

“Up to today, we are still managing the Covid-19 virus until there is a definite decline in the number of infections. Deciding on when tourism in Bali will open is dependent on developments regarding the pandemic,” explained Head of the Bali’s Tourism Office, Putu Astawa.

He added, “Bali Governor I Wayan Koster is extremely cautious to prevent a second wave of infections that could create an even worse impact.”

Based on data from the National Covid-19 Task Force, Bali has 723 confirmed Covid-19 cases including 6 reported deaths and 462 recovery cases.

The numbers are relatively low in comparison to Covid-19 total cases in the provinces of Jakarta and East Java who take the lead respectively.

Also Read: Indonesia Coronavirus Cases Break Three Records in One Week

Local tourist stakeholders are instead taking the time to create a standard operation procedure on health standards in the age of Covid-19.

The SOP is expected to include regulations on physical distancing, use of masks, hand sanitizers, disinfectants, and signage. Putu reassures that when Bali tourism reopens, it will be done in phases.

International travelers have essentially put a stop to Bali tourism travel plans since April 2020 as a growing number of flights were canceled along with the closing down of borders in most countries.

Data from Statistics Indonesia’s Bali branch indicated a plunge in the number of international travelers for April 2020 by 99.93 percent year-on-year.

March 2020 year-on-year figures are similar at a decline of 99.79 percent in international tourists.

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