Bali Tourism Actors Are Restless To Intention To Make A Petition For Jokowi, Sandiaga Calms

Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno/DOK Instagram

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno said it would not be quick to bring foreign tourists to Bali, even though international flights from I Gusti Ngurahi Rai Airport have been open since October 14.

"There are several travel documents that must be prepared by tourists to visit Indonesia, in this case to Bali," said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno as quoted by Antara, Monday, November 22.

Some of these documents include buying plane tickets, because not all airlines have direct flights to Bali.

Then regarding visas and quarantine, which are currently being coordinated by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) with other relevant Ministries/Institutions (K/L) in order to provide convenience to tourists.

While waiting for foreign tourists to come to Bali, he continued, the preparation of destinations and creative economy centers continued to be carried out to comply with the CHSE-based health protocol (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environment Sustainability).

In addition, he continued, the preparation of quality and sustainable tourism is also the focus of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy so that tourists get an unforgettable experience.

As of today, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy stated that no foreign tourists have arrived in Bali by direct flights.

"The government continues to evaluate the policies that have been issued and monitor the situation of potential market countries, especially Australia," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.

In addition, he said the government would re-discuss quarantine rules, direct flight provisions, and visa policies, to make them more attractive and competitive with neighboring countries.

A number of neighboring countries are said to have opened and will gradually open tourism to foreign tourists.

“Thailand and Cambodia open tourism for foreign tourists without quarantine, while Langkawi (Malaysia) opens tourism for foreign tourists with regional quarantine. (As for) Singapore is expanding countries that cooperate with Vaccinated Travel Lane (VTL) including with Indonesia," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.

Wayan Koster begs

Bali Governor Wayan Koster asked the Bali DPRD to provide understanding to tourism actors in Bali not to petition President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) regarding the strict entry requirements to Bali.

"I ask the members of the board of directors to share awareness and understanding with tourism actors, to be patient a little. Don't make petitions of all kinds because it is counterproductive, does not solve the problem. I am working, very seriously working, to deal with the pandemic so that recovery as soon as possible," said Governor Koster at the Bali DPRD building, Monday, November 22.

Koster explained that Bali has opened the door to international tourism since October 14 by allowing citizens from 19 countries to enter.

"But overseas the cases (COVID-19) have actually increased. So it's impossible to come, we'll open it, it's closed, it doesn't come either. So, it's not that our government is wrong, it's not us (the government) of the province that's wrong," he said. .

"We have opened but the country that is the source or destination of foreign tourists that we have opened, has not allowed its citizens to go abroad, visit, travel, because the pandemic is rising in their country. applies in his country. We can't force it from here, "said Koster.

Therefore, the Governor of Bali asked the council to actively participate in providing understanding and awareness to all tourism actors. The Bali Provincial Government emphasized that Koster did not intend to complicate the situation regarding the level of foreign tourist arrivals.

For information, tourism actors in Bali complained that there were no foreign tourist visits even though the doors for direct flights to Ngurah Rai Airport from international were opened. This condition is called because of the strict entry requirements for foreign tourists.

A total of 34 tourism stakeholder organizations in Bali made a petition for President Joko Widodo (Jokowi). The petition was submitted to urge Jokowi to change three rules that are considered burdensome for foreign tourists (tourists) coming to Bali.

There are also three policies that are considered to hinder foreign tourists to Bali, namely the visit visa policy, quarantine policy and flight policy.