An official from the Indonesian Consumer Association (YLKI) has presumed that there’s mafia involvement in PCR test regulation in Bali.
After recently implementing a new travel policy to revise rapid antigen with PCR test document as an entry requirement, the central government received a backlash from both visitors and the Bali tourism sector as the majority of hotel reservations were canceled by domestic visitors due to the new travel policy, causing businesses to lose their potential income after being paralyzed for over 1.5 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The daily Manager of YLKI, Tulus Abadi presumed that this regulation was allegedly controlled by the mafia, as it also created a massive difference in the PCR test prices. “The price of PCR test surged almost three times its normal price, as some medical facilities offer people the option of a “PCR express” test so they could receive results within the same day,” Abadi said during a press conference on Sunday (24/10).
Tulus urged the central government to revoke their PCR test policy, especially to those who are fully vaccinated against Covid-19, and propose they reduce the PCR test price to a maximum of USD 14 (IDR 200,000). Many domestic travelers who visited Bali admitted that they had been struggling to get a PCR test before heading home from Bali when the policy was implemented so suddenly.
As a result, long lines were formed at the Bali Ngurah Rai Airport on Sunday (24/10) as people were waiting for a PCR test, while many more were still struggling to find available PCR tests at hospitals across the island.
Joker
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
This criminals will end up soon. Nothing last forever !
J West
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
Third world corruption…..say it isn’t so. How else would the barons and senators wives fund their annual shopping junkets to Europe? You do know that not attending and not buying new diamond ‘sets’ to wear at the “Grand Ball” every year would mean an extreme loss of face , don’t you? Now shut up and eat your cake…..
John Solomon
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
The Indonesian government want more tourists as do the Balinese people. I for one,along with loads of Australians won't return whilst all these ridiculous requirements are in place
Wendy Kay Foldes
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
I'm curently in the U.S. for almost a year. My home is in Bali since 2015. I want to come home. My VISA arrived today, but I am having a problem finding a flight from the San Francisco airport to Bali. I will not quarantine in Jakarta for personal reasons, need a flight to Bali. I paid a lot for the Visa, am willing to get tested upon arrival, purchase Covid insurance, quarantine in Ubud, and do whatever else is necessary (as long as prices are in line), and get back to Bali as soon as possible. Does anyone have a solution for me? Any and all positive suggestions are welcome... No sarcastic remarks. Thank you.
Ruud Vorster
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
@Wendy Kay Foldes, there is no alternative than to travel to Jakarta onward to Bali , so you have to skip your personal reason or stay home.
Alforno Reeson
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
@Wendy Kay Foldes, As of now, there are no direct SFO DPS flights scheduled and even if there were, US is not on the allowed list to land in Bali.
Jakarta on the other have doesnt have such restrictions. You have your visa, and can fly in to CGK via any available flight so that would be the only way in at the moment. If you fly to CGKDPS on your quarantine checkout date, you can use the 2nd PCR test for that flight and save a bit of money and hassle.
All the best !
J West
Wednesday 27th of October 2021
@Wendy Kay Foldes, Dude, you want prices to align with your budget and still you ask for no sarcasm? You did read that the article was decrying the influence of a “mafia” influence on pricing ?
You could get your pre flight test kits from Walgreens or CVS….but…the Democrat paid junkies in San Francisco stole them all and forced the closure of the stores.
And, how are you getting a quarantine free ride to Ubud without first quarantining in Denpasar? Sad news, air prices from San Francisco to Asia have doubled since China closed Hong Kong forcing mass cancellations by several airlines. A $1000 ticket is now showing at $2300 usd.
Besides the whole idea of a forced quarantine at the airport is to stop people who might be infected from entering the interior community. BTW, what’s wrong with Jakarta? Best luck with no Sarcasm.
Jans
Tuesday 26th of October 2021
If the authorities keep changing the rules day by day no international tourists will visit Bali and no international airlines will land here. People need to have certainty 2 to 3 months in advance as most book holidays well ahead of the date. Nobody will risk their precious vacation and thousands of dollars to be at the mercy of last minute flip decisions by the government.