Opening Bali Through Visa On Arrival, Sandiaga Uno: For Economic Awakening And Job Opportunities

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - The government has re-opened Bali tourism through the application of Visa on Arrival (VoA). Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Agency for Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said the implementation of VoA was based on input from tourism actors.

"Regarding the opening of Bali, we have coordinated with the Governor, there are several inputs that can be followed up, we will both push for the implementation of VoA again. However, we still prioritize handling the pandemic," he said in an official statement, quoted Friday, February 25.

Furthermore, Sandiaga said that the implementation of VoA for foreign tourists is expected to be able to revive the slumped Bali economy. In fact, it can also create jobs in Bali.

On the other hand, regarding the visa mafia case, Sandiaga also explained that his party had followed up on several findings related to the visa mafia who took the opportunity. Kemenparekraf has also coordinated with the authorities to foster and give warnings.

"But if it continues, we will not tolerate it because this tarnishes our emerging tourism. We hope that all pro-tourism industry players comply with how to open Bali and prioritize our hospitality," he said.

In line with that, said Sandiaga, stakeholders must also improve the regulations.

"Because the bottleneck or obstacle is regulation and costs and the amount of time that must be passed to get the eVisa and we will fix this," he said.

Prepare for international events

In addition, said Sandiaga, to revitalize and move the Balinese economy, his party will prepare international events as well as prepare several side events for the G20 event.

"For such an international event, we are bringing a sports television conference in December 2022 which will invite 2,000 participants from abroad, also related to the preparation of the G20 and the economic revival of business opportunities and job opportunities in Bali. So earlier we agreed on the steps for the opening of Bali," he said.

Then, Sandiaga also explained that there would be a joint statement to provide socialization and education regarding quarantine regulations between the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and BNPB.

"Coincidentally, Prof. Wiku has just finished his visit to Bali to conduct a review of quarantine facilities. Regarding direct flights. Apart from Garuda, there are Singapore Airlines, Jet Star, and Scoot Tiger. Later there will be KLM and several other flights," he said.