The Bali Senator has urged the central government to keep the plan to reopen the border for international visitors and the Work From Bali (WFB) program on track.
The Head of Commission III of Bali Senator, AA Ngurah Adhi Ardhana said that despite the surging cases of new Covid-19 variants in several areas in Java such as Jakarta, Kudus and Madura, the plan to revive Bali tourism sector must be continued as planned. “There’s no relation between the surging Covid-19 cases outside Bali with the plan to reopen our border for international visitors, so the program must continue.” Ardhana said on Sunday (20/6).
However, Ardhana admitted that the situation might increase the reluctance of travelers to visit the island, but he’s still optimistic that Bali is still safe as long as all the prevention protocols are strictly implemented in all the tourist spots such as hotels, restaurants and tourist attractions. “If we can keep the island from being a red zone of Covid-19 transmissions, I think we should continue the plan to reopen the border on track as it would bring hope for Bali people to end this crisis.” Ardhana added.
He also claims that the Work From Bali (WFB) Program could be one of the solutions for people in Jakarta to avoid the Covid-19 transmissions that is currently surging in Jakarta by working remotely from the island through proper screening upon their arrival. He also predicted that Bali’s economy would fall into a deeper crisis if the central government decides to postpone the travel corridor program. “Most of Bali residents are currently in survival mode, and it could break down at any second if the border remains closed. So I urge the government to keep the program on track with strict prevention protocols in place.” Ardhana concluded.
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Wayan Bo
Thursday 24th of June 2021
Just reading in European newspaper that WHO is scared about Delta+ and Lambda covid mutation.
Putu
Thursday 24th of June 2021
who will go to Bali if masks must be worn? In the heat, people will begin to pass out. The mask causes chafing on the face, which is why in summer in Europe the mask is not worn outdoors, but indoors. Besides, who wants a tanned face with a mask?
Ben
Friday 25th of June 2021
@Putu, I see this problem as well. Mandatory face masks have been lifted here in the Netherlands, but they were never mandatory outdoors, only in shops etc. Currently only in public transport. Many European countries are doing a similar thing, as are many US states.
I doubt many tourists will go to a destination that has more strict rules then their home country, or any other country they can opt to visit.
Australia is not likely to allow their citizens tourism any time soon - so where are the tourists supposed to come from?
Paul Morris
Thursday 24th of June 2021
Senator Ardhana there is no way Bali should be opening up its borders to International tourists anytime soon, this new variant is extremely dangerous and more infectious than previous Covid-19 variants more and more countries around the world are closing their borders to control this outbreak. If International tourists are allowed into Bali then you will have an even bigger problem than you have know in Denpasar where it is going back in the RED Zone and closing down plus you have all those school children that have the virus. The best thing you can do at the moment as much as it is heartbreaking for the Balinese people is to keep your borders CLOSED.
Sondra Jackson
Tuesday 29th of June 2021
@Paul Morris, I agree, unfortunately governments are mainly concerned with the economy. It is the same thing in the states, they are rushing to reopen everything even though the virus is still active. It will be quite a while before I am comfortable enough to eat inside restaurants or travel internationally.
Wayan Bo
Thursday 24th of June 2021
Delta variation is on the run and whole world is scared. - If Bali open even today, it’s question how many international travelers will come, therefore it’s not realistic to put too much hope into opening at current time.