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.

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

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).

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

Source : https://thebalisun.com/

INDONESIAN TOURISM MINISTER VISITS BALI TO DISCUSS REOPENING FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

 INDONESIAN TOURISM MINISTER VISITS BALI TO DISCUSS REOPENING FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISM

President Joko Widodo has recently appointed a new Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno – previous Vice Governor of Jakarta, to stimulate the tourism industry in Indonesia. 

As Indonesia’s prime tourist destination, Uno made a trip to Bali to analyze and discuss the reopening of the island to international tourism.

Today (27/12) marks Uno’s first appearance in Bali as Tourism Minister, as he arrived to evaluate the performance of safety measures and prevention protocols on the island.

The objective of this visit is to assess airport and hospitality regulations to verify that Bali is safe and ready to reopen.

“I believe the most integral constituent for Bali is to enforce all health and safety protocols as the island is considered as the main tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists” said Uno. 

Uno plans to establish communication with the Governor of Bali, Wayan Koster, and the Maritime and Investment Coordinator Minister, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, to discuss the possibility of reopening which he says is his number one priority during this visit.

“I’m also concerned about the people in Bali that have lost their jobs due to the pandemic. I hope people will stay patient as I try to find solutions” Sandiaga added.

After inspecting Ngurah Rai International Airport, along with several tourist attractions, Uno admitted that the execution of protocol is strictly enforced.

He also noted that Bali has sufficiently managed the influx of domestic tourists this holiday season.

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

Source : https://thebalisun.com/

 OVER 1000 VISITORS CANCEL TRIP TO BALI TEMPLE FOLLOWING NEW ENTRY REGULATION

The recently issued decree, requiring domestic tourists to present a negative COVID-19 test results upon arrival in Bali has affected a number of tourist attractions including Ulun Danu Beratan Temple.

Previously, thousands of tourists canceled their hotel reservations in Gianyar, Badung and Karangasem, with Tabanan most recently impacted by the policy. The Manager of Ulun Danu Beratann Temple, I Wayan Mustika, explained that 20 travel agents have officially canceled trips to Ulun Danu Beratan Temple, Tabanan during this holiday season.

He admitted that the cancelations were the result of the new entry requirement that has just been newly issued by the provincial government to require a swab test or rapid antigen test with negative results from each visitor.

 “Travel agents that have canceled their reservations were from Malang, Surabaya and Bandung. Although they had booked the reservation more than a month ago, we just started receiving cancelations on Wednesday (16/12)” Wayan Mustika said.

Wayan was disappointed with the new decree which affected over 1,000 visitors who became reluctant to travel this holiday season.

Meanwhile the management of Ulun Danu Beratan Temple has prepared all safety measures inside the area of the temple, such as providing hand wash stations, hand sanitizers and temperature checking upon arrival.

In an interview with The Manager of Tanah Lot Temple, I Ketut Toya Adnyana stated that the amount of visits at Tanah Lot Temple is far from what they expected earlier. “We noticed that the visitors are much fewer than the previous holiday season” Ketut Toya concluded.

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

Source : https://thebalisun.com/

 BALI GOV’T PREPARES TO REOPEN BORDERS FOR INTERNATIONAL TOURISTS

The provincial government of Bali is working with the central government in preparation of reopening the island’s borders for international tourists.

During a press conference at the Bali Communication and Statistics Agency Office on Thursday (17/12), Bali Regional Secretary, Dewa Made Indra, confirmed that the central government is closely supervising the preparation stage.

“Signs of reopening the border to international tourists are clearer, especially since several ministers have recently inspected implementation of protocols in Bali” Made Indra said.

Recently, the Indonesian Transportation Minister, Foreign Affairs Minister, Law and Human Rights Minister and other government officials inspected the Ngurah Rai International Airport and Garuda Wisnu Kencana Park.

Indra explained that reopening borders during the pandemic is not an easy task as many countries have not yet revoked travel restrictions.

He explained that the peak of travel season is soon approaching with the year-end holiday. The reason for new entry policies applied to domestic tourists is to prevent a surge in cases after the holiday season ends.

“We need to be more alert in handling the influx of domestic visitors this year. If we fail to reduce transmission by the end of the holiday season, all our efforts will go in vain” concluded the former Head of Bali Disaster Management Agency.

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

Source : https://thebalisun.com/

 BALI GOVERNOR ISSUES REGULATION FORBIDDING NEW YEAR’S CELEBRATIONS

As a result of the rising Covid-19 cases, the Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, has issued a decree forbidding new year’s eve celebrations in the province. Strict safety measures are in effect across Bali, and anyone defying government orders will be penalized.

The decree was initiated by the Central Government to prevent large gatherings which can lead to virus transmission during the current pandemic.

The Governor outlined the details of the new regulation during a press conference in Denpasar on Tuesday morning (15/12). “Every person, business or facility planning to celebrate new year’s eve this holiday season will be strictly prohibited to organize any kind of indoor or outdoor event, light up fireworks or consume alcohol in public places,” stated Koster.

The Governor also added that all operating accommodations or tourist attractions must comply with health and safety protocols, including providing hand wash stations, hand sanitizers, wearing masks, maintaining social distance and limiting capacity.

The Government’s Decree number 46 Year 2020 will be in effect from Friday December 18, 2020 until Friday January 4, 2021.

According to the decree, each person or business disobeying the regulation will be penalized based on government policy.

This policy was commenced by the central government due to the rising Covid-19 cases in Indonesia, including Bali. As of Monday December 14, 2020, Bali recorded 77 new cases, resulting in a total 15,150 cases in Bali since the start of the pandemic.

https://www.recommendedbalidriver.com/

Source : https://thebalisun.com/

BALI AGRICULTURAL SECTOR IN DIRE NEED OF GOVERNMENT AID

 Agriculture Professor, Wayan Windia from Udayana University, has urged the government to help the devastated agricultural sector.

Widiana requests the government to focus its attention on farmers as they struggle to survive the consequences of the current global pandemic.

He stated that the Central Government stimulus is more concentrated on the hospitality industry while neglecting the fact that the agriculture sector has been at the lowest economic state even prior to the pandemic.

“We need to be grateful that our agricultural sector maintains enough stability to provide food security and daily consumption in Indonesia” expressed Windia.

The Professor urged the Agricultural Minister to request the President to provide a much needed grant to the agricultural sector during the Cabinet meeting.

Windia encouraged relevant organizations including HKTI and HNSI to speak up and fight for farmers’ rights and government assistance.

In 2018, the Governor had issued Governor’s Regulation Number 99 to provide farmers with financial aid.

“According to my research, only 13 percent of the agricultural sector has received small portions of cash assistance, while 35 percent of Bali’s population is employed within this sector. This is far from enough” Windia concluded.

Source : https://thebalisun.com/