Foreigner Takes to Twitter to Invite International Tourists to Bali amid Pandemic

DENPASAR, KOMPAS.com – A Twitter user which was believed to have been a foreigner posted stories of Bali life, calling foreign tourists to visit the Indonesian resort island amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

The stories shared via the @kristentootie Twitter handle got the attention of other Twitter users, making Bali became a trending topic on Sunday, January 17.

The person with Kristen Gray's username said that she went to Bali in 2019 after losing her job in the US. But, she could not go home due to travel restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Also read: Indonesian Police in Bali Arrest Frenchman for Stashing Contraband

Gray, who has been working as a graphic designer, said Bali has made her feel at home. She also enjoyed the perks of living in Bali, including a cheaper living cost as compared to her hometown in the US.

In Bali, she said, she would only spend about $300 on housing, while in Los Angeles, she had to take $1,300 out of her pocket.

Gray called other foreigners to visit Bali despite the Covid-19 pandemic. This viral thread was then criticized by netizens. Most netizens considered Gray’s actions to be unwise because people are still struggling with the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, the @kristentootie Twitter handle has been disappeared.

Also read: Indonesian Police in Bali Investigate Foreigners in Motorcycle Stunt

However, the viral thread made the authorities from the Bali branch of the Law and Human Rights Ministry take action by sending a team to look for Gray’s whereabouts.