Indonesia to Begin 'Work from Bali' in Phases

KOMPAS.com – The government plans to start its 'Work from Bali' (WFB) program in July to revive the tourism in the Indonesian resort island but will adjust to the Covid-19 pandemic situation.

"We continue to finalize this policy. We plan to roll it out in the third quarter in stages, but still considering the pandemic situation and adjusting to each related ministry and institution," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno during the ministry's weekly briefing, Monday, June 7, in Jakarta.

The WFB policy, which is facilitated by the government, will send about 25 percent of the state civil apparatus to work from Nusa Dua, Bali. This policy is under the purview of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs with seven other ministries, including the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.

Also read: “Work from Bali” to Save Tourism Sector: Indonesian Minister

"We hope it will help us to reach a breakeven point of 30 to 40 percent so Bali’s economy in the second and third quarter can rise from a contracted zone to a positive and green zone," Sandiaga said.

In the first quarter, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy began the WFB policy, resulting in an increase in domestic tourist visits to Bali after January 2021, Sandiaga claimed. However, Bali’s economy still contracted 9.8 percent in the first quarter.

“Based on our data, arrivals at I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport in January reached 2,500. And as of today, the number of visitors has tripled to 7,000-7,500," he continued.

From July 2021, the board of governors and several bureaus of Bank Indonesia could gradually carry out activities from Bali. It is the same for employees at the Financial Services Authority (OJK) and ministries under the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime and Investment Affairs.

Also read: Bali Named Among Worlds 15 Best Islands for Retirement on Travel Awaits 2021

“However, the government ministries and institutions still account for a relatively small percentage compared to the private sector and other digital nomads. We hope that the government will start it and big businesses will follow suit," the minister said.