Bali Boosts Tourism Sector By Constructing Two Ports

Illustration. (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - In order to boost the tourism sector, which was paralyzed by the COVID-19 pandemic, two ports have been built in Bali. This was done to improve the quality of tourism in Bali with the support of adequate infrastructure.

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi together with the Governor of Bali Province I Wayan Koster, on Monday 3 August laid the groundwork for the construction of a ferry port, namely Sampalan Port on Nusa Penida Island and Bias Munjul Port on Nusa Ceningan Island, Klungkung Regency, Bali Province.

"God willing, the two ports can be completed in nine months or mid-2021," said Transportation Minister Budi Karya, as reported by Antara.

The construction of the two ports is to support tourism in Bali which is included in the Golden Triangle Port (Sanur, Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan / Lembongan) and is connected to the Sanur Port which is located in Denpasar.

Budi Karya explained that his party had held an intensive meeting with the Bali Provincial Government to discuss transportation support for tourism in Bali, such as the concept of super hub tourism, maritime affairs and research on land access plans to North Bali.

"President Joko Widodo advised Bali to become a tourism super hub not only for Indonesia but to Southeast Asia and even Australia," said the Minister of Transportation.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy / Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Wishnutama Kusubandio said the government continues to increase infrastructure development to support the tourism sector which is currently being accelerated for development.

"In the future, the change in new tourism trends after the COVID-19 pandemic will lead to 'quality tourism' or a more quality tourism trip. By developing infrastructure in Bali, it will certainly improve the quality of tourism there," he said.

Wishnutama also explained that one of the good tourism strategies is not only building infrastructure, creating promotional concepts, and building resources, but creating new tourist attractions for Indonesian tourism by implementing CHSE-based health protocols (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability. ).

"The tourism business is a business of trust. Entrepreneurs in tourism and the creative economy of Bali must carry out health protocols responsibly so as to build trust and a sense of security for tourists," Wishnutama said.

Governor of Bali Province I Wayan Koster said that the construction of the two ports will facilitate accessibility to the golden triangle area, so as to encourage an increase in the number of tourists, both domestic and foreign tourists. In addition, the existence of a port can also support the religious activities of the Balinese people.

"When there will be a routine religious ceremony in which Balinese people perform prayers coming from various districts in Bali. Because there is no port, they find it difficult to get on the ship because they have to lift their cloths while carrying their offerings from various regions," said Wayan. Koster.

The plan is for the Sampalan Port to be built on two floors with a pool area of 9,000 square meters, a berth capacity of 10 speedboats, with an estimated construction cost of IDR 86.7 billion. Meanwhile, the Munjul Bias Port will be built as a dock for speed boats and Ro-ro ships, with an estimated construction cost of IDR 109.6 billion.

If the concept of the Golden Triangle Port is realized, it is hoped that it can increase traffic growth on the islands of Nusa Penida and Nusa Ceningan and have an impact on the economy of local residents.