Bali Expected To Welcome Australian Visitors Back In November

 

Bali is expected to start receiving Australian visitors again in November 2021 as Australian authorities have planned to revoke their travel restrictions.In accordance with a letter that was signed by the Australian Consulate General, Anthea Griffin on October 21st 2021 for Bali Tourism Agency, Australia has planned to start allowing their citizens to travel outside of their country to destinations such as Bali by the 1st of November 2021. Several weeks prior the Australian Ambassador, Penny Williams had sent a similar letter to the Indonesian Tourism Minister in regards to their lifting their travel restrictions.

Griffin confirmed that New South Wales’s authorities will start allowing their fully vaccinated citizens to gain access to Sidney after traveling from outside of Australia without quarantine. Meanwhile the other Australian’s states have been preparing the same reopening plan by reducing or possibly revoking their quarantine policy in the near future when they reach their Covid-19 vaccination target.

Apart from its citizens, Australia will also grant permission to international visitors including Indonesia to gain access back into the country once their border reopens.

“With this leniency, we expect to see the first Australian visitors back in Bali soon as well as finally rekindling the mutual relationship between Australia and Indonesia that was established long ago.” Griffin said. 

Meanwhile the Head of Bali Tourism Agency, Putu Astawa hasn’t announced any statement in regards to this letter. “I can’t give any response to this letter as we haven’t had any communication with the Australian Consulate General, but we’ll let you know at the upcoming press conference.” Astawa concluded.

Source : thebalisun

BALI GOVERMENT FINALLY IMPOSES EMERGENCY PARTILA LOCKDOWN AFTER PREVIOUSLY REFUSING THE IMPLEMENTATION.

 After previously refusing to implement the emergency partial lockdown that was instructed by the President, Bali provincial government finally agreed to impose the policy on the island.Bali Regional Secretary, Dewa Made Indra who previously stated that Bali is currently not in an emergency situation from Covid-19 transmissions has revised his statement, and finally agreed to implement the policy as it was instructed by President Jokowi on Thursday (1/7). The Head of Bali Civil Service Officer, Dewa Nyoman Rai Dharmadi confirmed that Bali will impose an emergency partial lockdown earlier than the President’s instruction that is supposed to start on the 3rd of July 2021. “Bali is currently on the assessment of level 3 (orange zone) from the Covid-19 pandemic, so we will start to implement an emergency partial lockdown today.” Dharmadi said on Thursday (1/7).

The partial lockdown is imposed on seven Bali regions that are considered as orange zones such as Denpasar, Jembrana, Badung, Gianyar, Bangli, Klungkung and Buleleng. The Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster hopes that this implementation will reduce the risk of Covid-19 transmissions in all Bali regions. Prior to this decision, the central government through the minister of maritime and investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that every regional leader who refused to implement the emergency partial lockdown as instructed to their areas would be temporarily deactivated as a form of sanction.

“In accordance to the Article 68 number 1 and 2 from the Constitution Number 23 Year 2014 about Regional Government, the Governor, Regent and Mayor who refuse to follow this instruction to impose emergency partial lockdowns from the 3rd to 20th of July 2021 would be sanction with a warning and could potentially be temporarily deactivated from their duty.” Luhut concluded.

SOURCE ;thebalisun

PRESIDENT APPROVES 10 PROPOSALS FROM BALI'S GOVERNOR

 

The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo has approved 10 proposals that have been requested by the Governor of Bali to revive their economy.During a meeting that was attended by several ministries such as the State Secretary Minister, Tourism Minister, Finance Minister, Governor of Indonesian Bank and the Bali Governor on Monday morning (7/6) around 9:30am, President Jokowi invited them to discuss several main topics. Such as, the Covid-19 vaccine distribution in Bali, optimizing domestic tourism, prevention protocol implementation, reopening of the international travel corridor and optimizing creative economy in Bali.

During the meeting, Koster also proposed 10 requests to help Bali’s economy recover. The requests included:

– another 3 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine for Bali residents in order to finish the vaccination program by July 2021

– optimizing domestic tourism by providing special incentives

– optimizing the ‘Work From Bali Program” by reaching all the government’s institutions and ministries

– hosting more big international events in Bali

– proposing to reopen the international travel bubble by the end of July 2021

– continue the cash assistance program for the Bali tourism sector 

– extending the instalment period for tourism businesses

– providing new skill set training program for Bali people

– providing soft loan programs for the tourism sector 

– allowing Bali to host virtual Bali Arts Festival on July 12th 2021

After discussing and considering all aspects and conditions, the President has approved all 10 proposals that were requested by the Bali Governor. “President Jokowi has finally agreed and instructed related ministries to help us implement all these programs in near future.” Koster said.

Source : thesunbali

OFFICIALS CONFIRM THAT DENPASAR'S RECOVERY RATE FOR COVID-19 HAS REACHED 95%

 

Officials from the Denpasar city government have confirmed that the recovery rate of Covid-19 in Denpasar, Bali has reached 95.51% as of Tuesday (18/5).Gede Rai also explained that the accumulated Covid-19 cases in Denpasar is 14,699 cases, with 14,039 recoveries (95.51%), 38 deaths (2.3%) and 322 patients are still being treated (2.19%). He warned people to be more aware about the new variants of Coronavirus that were recently transmitted onto the island. “Despite the leniency that was implemented by the government, people still need to comply with prevention protocols in their daily activities.” Gede Rai added.

Gede Rai committed to keep doing various efforts to reduce Covid-19 transmission and the fatality rate of Covid-19. “We will keep on monitoring several different locations everyday to assure that everyone is complying with the protocols. We will also be educating people and disinfecting some public areas while the Covid-19 vaccine is being distributed as we aim to achieve herd immunity before the border reopens in near future.” Gede Rai concluded.

Source ; thesunbali

BALI OFFICIALS CONFIRM THAT BALI IS READY TO RECEIVED INTERNATIONAL TOURIST THIS YEAR

 Bali Provincial government has announced that Bali is ready to start receiving international travelers when the border reopens in June or July this year.Bali Vice Governor, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) confirmed that Bali has met all the requirements to begin receiving international visitors. “Preparation stages such as distributing the Covid-19 vaccine in 3 appointed green zone areas and the implementation of prevention protocols are almost finished.” Cok Ace said during a press conference on Friday (23/4).

He also explained that Bali has increased the capacity of medical facilities and laboratories to handle around 3 thousands patients each day. “We’ve increased the capacity in some medical facilities in those three appointed green zone areas such as BIMC Hospital in Nusa Dua, Bali Mandara Hospital in Sanur, Kenak Medika and Ari Canthi Hospital in Ubud as preparation before reopening the border.” Cok Ace added.

Apart from that, Cok Ace also claimed that the compliance rate of Bali people following prevention protocols has reached 96.8%  and the Covid-19 vaccine distribution in Nusa Dua, Ubud and Sanur has almost reached 100%. “23% (600,000 people) of the population outside those three appointed green zone areas were vaccinated, and we keep on pushing the distribution as fast as we can to achieve herd immunity.” Cok Ace concluded. Meanwhile the Head of the Indonesian Bank for Bali, Trisno Nugroho said that he has been developing a cashless payment system for international visitors to minimize contact while making transactions in near future.

SOURCE : thebalisun

BALI WILL HOST 20 NATIONAL EVENTS TO ATTRACT DOMESTIC VISITORS IN 2021

 

Bali Officials plan to hold 20 national big events in 2021 to increase the enthusiasm of domestic tourists to visit the island.

The Head of Bali Tourism Agency, Putu Astawa said that Bali is expected to host these big events this year to attract more domestic visitors, especially when the border remains closed for international visitors. “These events will be held in Bali as an effort from the government to increase more visitors from all around Indonesia during the Covid-19 pandemic .” Astawa said in Denpasar on Tuesday (6/4).

But Astawa admitted that he can’t really expect too much during these times as the pandemic has caused many people to become reluctant to travel. “Prior to the pandemic, we used to have 16,000 visitors each day. But during this time, we can only expect to receive around 30% of that. And I think if we have at least 5,000 visitors each day, that should be enough.” Astawa added.

The events that Putu Astawa is set to host this year are :

• Nusa Penida Festival
• Nusa Dua International Run
• Pesona Nusa Dua Fiesta 2021
• Ubud Writers and Readers Festival
• Gianyar Layang-Layang Festival
• Ubud Jazz Festival
• Jatiluwih Festival
• Kerambitan Festival
• Tanah Lot Weekend II
• Denpasar Festival
• Bali And Beyond Travel Fair
• Bali Art Festival
• Tabanan Amazing Race
• Karangasem Cultural Movement Carnaval 2021
• Panglipuran Festival
• Makepun Festival
• Umabian Fest
• Bali Cycling Marathon
• Buleleng Festival
• Pemuteran Festival

“In order to support these events, we will cooperate with several travel agencies in multiple cities around Indonesia to optimize the domestic market by reaching offices, schools and communities in their areas.” Astawa concluded.

SOOURCE : thebalisun

BALI GOVERMENT PLANS TO IMPLEMENT 2 DAY QUARANTINE FOR INTERNATIONAL VISITORS.

 

The Indonesian Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno has said that the discussion about reopening the international travel corridor is on the final stage.Sandiaga said that the government plans to implement a 2 days quarantine upon arrival for every international traveler who visits the island when the border reopens. “We plan to revise some of the points in the Law and Human Rights Regulation Number 26/2020 such as the quarantine policy for international visitors upon their arrival. But before making a decision, we need to hear the opinion of the Covid-19 Handling Task Force and Health Minister.” Sandiaga said.

During an event that was held in the John Hardy Boutique and Gallery on Tuesday (30/3), Sandiaga also said that the government plans to revise the stay permit policy for international visitors. “We also plan to extend the length of the visitors’ stay, from 30 days maximum to 60 days using their holiday visa.” Sandiaga added. But he explained that the visitors could only gain this leniency after finishing their 2 day quarantine at a designated government facility.

Apart from that, he said they will also implement an e-visa for the travelers to give them easier access to apply for their visa. Meanwhile Sandiaga is quite optimistic that the target to distribute Covid-19 vaccines to half of Bali’s population will be achieved by mid-year. “We’re optimistic that we could distribute the vaccine to at least 2 or 3 million people in Bali by June or July this year.” Sandiaga concluded.

SOURCE : thebalisun

What is the current situation like in Bali?

 

As of 22 March 2021, the official tally has reported a total of 38,133 cases in Bali, where the population is around more than 4.2 million. With 35,548 cases of recovery, Bali’s recovery rate is at 93.22 percent.

Visas on arrival to Bali were halted on 20 March 2020 while The Ngurah Rai airport remains open. There is still a travel restriction in place for Indonesia where passengers are not allowed to transit or enter the country, with a few exceptions.

Bali relies heavily on tourism and had welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors in the year 2019. The pandemic has naturally impacted the local economy.

Are there airlines flying to Bali now?

A search through Wego showed that there are several domestic flight schedules operated by a few local airlines.

The country’s national carrier, Garuda Indonesia, is among the airline resuming domestic operations. It has also implemented social distancing procedure in the cabin, including blocking out the middle seats.

Am I allowed to visit Bali now?

Yes, if you are a resident of Indonesia. Since 31 July, Bali has opened its borders only to domestic travellers and the statistics have shown encouraging figures in relation to Bali’s Covid-19 cases for the last two weeks.

International tourists remain banned from visiting Bali in line with the policy of the Government of Indonesia, although some will be allowed into Bali as part of trial-runs leading up to Bali’s eventual reopening. More on this below.

The Balinese government has released a statement detailing who and what are allowed to enter the island. They include transports of basic security, logistical, and medical purposes, diplomatic personnel, personnel working for government projects, and personnel related to COVID-19 aid management.

The Vice Governor of Bali in a conference feed also added that entries are allowed for patients in need of emergency help, passengers attending to urgent matters like death or illness in the immediate family, and repatriated migrant workers and overseas Indonesian students.

What do I need to prepare if I need to visit Bali now?

For domestic travellers planning on visiting Bali, please consult the following:

• Travellers planning on flying to Bali must first acquire a negative PCR-based swab test issued within 2 days prior to departure.
• Travellers planning on entering Bali by land and sea must first acquire a negative rapid antigen test taken within 2 days prior to departure.
• All travellers must fill out the electronic-Health Alert Card (e-HAC) available here.
• While in Bali, travellers must make sure they have a valid test certificate on hand. This means ensuring that the test certificate is renewed after a 14-day period has elapsed.
• For those wishing to take the PCR test upon arrival, the Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport provides on-arrival tests priced at IDR 170,000 per person.

When will Bali reopen to tourists?

Bali has indeed reopened its gates for domestic tourism and in regards to international tourism, the Indonesian government has projected the date of Bali’s reopening to March 2022, reported Antara, Indonesia’s state-run news agency.

 The reopening of the island province will also include a robust vaccination program and a set of trial-runs by allowing foreign tourists to visit three designated green-areas namely Ubud, Sanur and Nusa Dua. The designated areas will accommodate tourists arriving from select countries with favorable epidemiological situations the likes of the Netherlands, China, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates as well as other Middle Eastern countries, effectively forming individual travel corridor arrangements. The trial runs are expected to commence on 17 August 2021.

Is it safe to travel to Bali?

Bali is lauded as one of the few places that have managed to keep the pandemic under control. As of March 2021, the number of daily cases remains low compared to most areas in Indonesia. However, experts warned that this is hardly a strong indication that the island is a safe haven from the virus. Asymptomatic cases and low testing rate may be a more plausible explanation as to why the island records low Coronavirus cases.

If you need to be in Bali now, it’s best to observe strict social distancing and health protocols approved by WHO.

What are the things that are open right now in Bali?

Multiple popular beaches, beach clubs, and resorts remain closed. Some restaurants and shops have pivoted to delivery, while public spots like the beloved Lovina Beach, Besakih Temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana, among others, are still closed off to the public.

Numerous beaches in Bali such as Kuta and Sanur have apparently been reopened to local residents as well as domestic tourists. Strict new-normal measures are in force with a mere 75 visitors per beach being allowed entry. Each entry point is overseen by security personnel to regulate the number of visitors coming in and out of all currently reopened beaches.

 

 

 

 

 

OFFICIALS ACCELERATE VACCINE DISTRIBUTION TO TOURISM WORKERS

 The Bali provincial government is currently accelerating the Covid-19 vaccine distribution for the tourism workers in Bali before reopening the borders for tourism. The Regional Secretary of Bali Province, Dewa Made Indra said that he appreciated the enthusiasm of the tourism workers in Bali to support the vaccination program. “This program was initiated to boost the economy to recover from the crisis as the tourism has been the providing the main source of economic activity for the people” Made Indra said on Wednesday (10/3).

The provincial government is trying to cooperate with residents by providing the venue, inviting each of the tourism workers to join the vaccination program and providing the vaccine itself.

“We deployed staff from the Health Agency such as the screening service, vaccine injector and observer while running this program” Made Indra added. He also claimed that the vaccination process has been running well, because they only distribute the vaccine for the people who have registered to prevent crowds.

Made Indra is targeting to distribute at least 200 doses of vaccines on Wednesday (10/3) due to the limited amounts of vaccine available. “We will observe the whole process today, and we plan to provide 500 doses of vaccines on Friday (12/3), but the implementation has to be running well like today,” Made Indra concluded. Meanwhile the Head of Bali Tourism Agency, Putu Astawa said that he really hopes that this program could reach more tourism workers in the next couple of months.

We’re optimistic that this vaccination program will bring a positive impact to our tourism sector to boost the economic recovery as soon as possible” Putu Astawa said.

SOURCE : thebalisun

BALI WILL REOPEN BORDERS FOR TOURISM IN THE 'GREEN ZONE 'FIRST.

 

The Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, admitted that he has prepared a scheme to reopen the tourism sector in Bali specifically in the green zone or in areas with minimal risk of transmission of Covid-19. The ‘Green Zone’ is a safe Covid-19-free area to receive international travelers in the near future as the border reopens.

Governor Koster said that the green zone area is prepared to allow both international and domestic travelers to visit the island during the pandemic.

“Myself and the Health Ministry agreed to open the green zone area, so both domestic and international travelers will be only allowed to visit these Covid-19 free areas,” said Koster during a virtual press conference through the official Health Ministry’s Youtube channel on Monday (1/3).

This scheme was launched in response to the latest official statement from the Indonesian Maritime and Investment Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan regarding the plan to reopen Bali for international tourists.

In order to accelerate economic recovery, Koster urged everyone including tourism workers to stop being reluctant in being vaccinated.

“I urge to all the people in Bali, especially in the tourism sector to stop worrying about the side effect of the Covid-19 vaccine, as the government has ensured that the vaccine is safe to be injected” Koster added.

Additionally, Koster confirmed that the Covid-19 vaccine has no major side effect as he has already been injected asks the people to support the government’s effort to end this pandemic as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, the Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno said that he has been observing the implementation of prevention protocols in the last couple of months since he set up his office on the island to supervise and find solutions for the tourism sector.

“After observing the Covid-19 cases in the last several weeks in Bali, I think it’s time for us to start reopening our border one step at a time for international visitors with strict prevention protocols in place” Sandiaga concluded.

He also stated that the plan to reopen the travel corridor was initiated after seeing an increase in the compliance level of Bali people to follow the prevention protocols in public areas.

SOURCE : thebalisun

BALI SEES SIGNIFICANT IMPROVEMENT IN COVID-19 RECOVERY AND TRANSMISSION RATES

 

Bali COVID-19 Handling Task Force recorded a significant increase in the recovery rate in Bali as of Saturday (6/2), with 384 patients having recovered in one day. At the same time, officials confirmed a decline in daily new cases, which had reduced to 139 patients in Denpasar on Saturday, from a previous 277 daily rate recorded several days ago. 

According to the information from the Head of Bali COVID-19 Handling Task Force, Dewa Made Indra explained that Denpasar had the highest recovery rate with 139 patients recovered.

He believes the added safety measures and cooperation from authorities have helped control the spread of the virus.

He has been giving special attention to areas with high infection rates, by cooperating with the heads of each sub-district, in order to minimize the risk of spreading the virus to other areas.

Additionally, Indra also said that other regions have also contributed in helping the COVID-19 patients to recover, Badung with 97 recoveries, Gianyar with 44, Tabanan with 40, Buleleng with 27, Bangli with 15, Jembrana with 15, Klungkung with three, Karangasem with two and another two from outside of Bali.

As per to this data, the cumulative cases of COVID-19 in Bali as of Saturday (6/2) is 28,048, with 24,162 recovered, which calculates an 85.16 percent recovery rate.

However, Indra still advises the people of the importance of prevention protocols to avoid a surge, which led to problems like lack of isolation rooms at the start of 2021; nearly all hospitals and isolation buildings in Bali reached maximum capacity.

“People need to keep following the prevention protocols to reduce the risk of creating new clusters among the people and reduce the fatality rate from COVID-19 in Bali” Indra concluded.

SOURCE : https://thebalisun.com/

Tourism Minister Invites Indonesian Entrepreneurs To Work From Bali

 

The Indonesian Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, has invited entrepreneurs and professionals from Indonesia to work from Bali to help recover the tourism sector and boost economic activity on the island. 

After recently setting up an office in Bali, The Tourism Minister is focusing on recovery strategies while gaining insight from affected business owners.

During an interview on Friday (29/1), Sandiaga Uno said he is currently preparing a program with benefits to attract business engagement to the island. 

“I invite entrepreneurs and professionals to start considering working from Bali. There are two functions, the first is that we can become more efficient and enjoy the natural beauty of the island. And second, we can help the tourism sector and creative economy in Bali.” said Sandiaga Uno.

Sandiaga Uno hopes to restore motivation and hope to the people of Bali by finding short and long-term solutions to recover from the economic crisis.

“I’ve discussed this program with the Bali provincial government to prepare work packages, and perhaps even study packages, in Bali so we could begin promotion in the near future.” Sandiaga concluded. 

He also plans to offer opportunities to expats who have been working in Jakarta to relocate to Bali. He assured that health and safety protocols will be prioritized during this program. Sandiaga Uno hopes that this program will help the people of Bali as 80 percent of them are dependent on the tourism sector.

SOURCE : https://thebalisun.com/

INDONESIA EXTENDS INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT BAN UNTIL FEBRUARY 8

 

The Indonesian government has decided to extend its international flight ban for another 14 days. The extension will be carried out from January 26 to February 8, 2021.

The decision comes as COVID-19 cases continue to surge across the country.

The Indonesian Economic Minister, Airlangga Hartanto made the announcement during a press conference on Thursday (21/1).

“For restrictions on foreigners to Indonesia, an extension of the ban is also carried out, from January 26 to February 8, 2021,” said Hartarto.

The ban forbids foreign nationals from entering the country, however the following are exempt from the policy:

Expats with diplomatic visa

KITAS and KITAP holders

Licensed expats from institutions or ministries

Indonesian citizens returning to the country

Although exceptions are made, all travelers are obliged to entry requirements and protocols, including presenting a negative result PCR test taken a maximum of 72 hours before departure, attached to the e-HAC International Indonesia.

Upon arrival, they will be re-tested by a swab test and asked to quarantine for five days.

While the government has arranged quarantine facilities free of charge for Indonesian citizens, foreign nationals must quarantine at their own expense, at a hotel certified by the Health Ministry. 

As per foreign government officials, they are able to self-isolate within their official residence.

Following the quarantine, another swab test will be conducted before they are able to freely move within Indonesian territory. 

In the case the tests result positive, medical expenses for Indonesian citizens will be covered by the government while foreign nationals will be treated at the hospital at their own expense.

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Source : https://thebalisun.com/

BALI OFFICIALS INCREASE FINES FOR FOREIGNERS REFUSING TO FOLLOW PROTOCOLS

 

Governor Wayan Koster highlighted the number of foreign nationals refusing to comply with health protocols in Bali.

He has decided to take firm action by forbidding entry into tourist sites and restaurants to individuals refusing to abide by protocols.

In addition, officials have decided to increase fines to noncompliant foreigners so they may take protocols more seriously. 

During a live stream on the National Disaster Management (BNPB) YouTube Channel about the partial lockdown set to be enforced in Java and Bali, the governor explained that most locals in Bali tend to comply with prevention protocols.

He also admitted to receiving many reports from officers regarding foreign nationals refusing to wear masks in public places.

He ordered all businesses, specifically cafes and restaurants, to refuse service to individuals without masks.

“I will set a new policy to solve this problem, those who refuse to wear masks will not be able to enter any public areas like cafes or restaurants” said Koster on Friday (8/1). 

According to data from National Disaster Management (BNPB), 96% of people in Bali have complied with wearing masks and 91% with following physical distancing.

“The level of compliance in Bali is considered the highest in Indonesia,” Koster added.

Meanwhile, the Head of Badung Public Civil Service, I Gusti Agung Kerta Suryanegara said that according to the new decree from the governor, fines will be increased for foreigners as opposed to locals.

“I think a fine of USD 7.1 (IDR 100,000) is too low for them. It has to be higher than the fines for local people, to make them regret ignoring our policies” Suryanegara said on Friday (8/1).

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Source : https://thebalisun.com/