Bali Governor, I Wayan Koster has ensured the Australian Ambassador that Covid-19 transmission in Bali has been properly handled and the island will be ready to welcome Australians back once the central government allows it.
When welcoming the Australian Ambassador for Indonesia, Penny Williams at the Governor’s office that is located in Renon, Denpasar on Thursday (18/11), Koster ensured Williams that the provincial government has created a safer environment for international visitors as Covid-19 transmission on the island has been significantly reduced in the last several months.
“We have been working hard to handle Covid-19 transmission in Bali. As a result, our current active Covid-19 cases is very low, thanks to the President and the related minister for giving massive support to us.” Koster said.
Although Australia is not yet included on the allowed countries list for Bali, the meeting between then Governor and Ambassador could be a sign that Australia could be added soon.
Koster claimed that this achievement was the result of the Covid-19 vaccination program that has exceeded the target as 88% of the Bali population, including tourism workers and foreign nationals have been fully vaccinated. Meanwhile the Australian Ambassador stated that she personally has a strong bond with Bali from the memory of her childhood.
Before ending the meeting, Koster handed out a traditional Balinese cloth called Endek Bali to Williams as part of his effort to promote the traditional local products.
Remove All Ads & Unlock All Articles… Sign up for The Bali Sun Premium
Plan Your Bali Holiday:
Book The Best English Speaking Drivers For Airport Transfers & Tours
Choose From Thousands of Bali Hotels, Resorts, and Hostels with Free Cancellation On Most Properties
Book Cheap Flights To Bali
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance That Covers Medical Expenses In Bali
For the latest Bali News & Debate Join our Facebook Community
SUBSCRIBE TO NEW POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to The Bali Sun’s latest breaking news, straight to your inbox.
Steven
Friday 26th of November 2021
I think its right to consult the australian goverment. You can't just open up without an agreement with the australian goverment under these current conditions. It takes 2 to tango so it has to be made easier on both sides as tourists will be put off if they have too many restrictions on either side. Bali needs the aussies probably more than any other tourist nation due to their close proximity and historically large influx of tourists. I hope for bali's sake, they can come to an agreement.
Bule
Thursday 25th of November 2021
They still don't get it! Nobody would come to Bali under those current prison-like conditions, all this nightmare of bureaucratic hoops and the crazy restrictions on the island! No Europeans, no Aussis, no Westerners at all, even if Indonesia would finally allow all nationalities to enter Bali again. Indonesians urgently need to come to their senses but this still seems to be a long way to go. Instead people are now just traveling elsewhere, to South America, the Caribbean, Thailand, Cambodia etc. Keep on dreaming you Indonesians.
Ben
Monday 22nd of November 2021
So how about the visa and quarantine issues then? Moving a country onto a list is a moot point if those are still issues.
Randy
Sunday 21st of November 2021
If Bali adds Aussies that could send a signal out there that business is back. But are fully vaccinated Aussies ready to take a vacation with some Covid-19 mandates to follow from another sovereign nation...that would remain to be seen.
The ranting and raving on here have not shown much optimism about opening up Bali. However outsiders are willing to help the tourism economy on their own terms with less anticipated covid-19 mandates.
Like it or not we all must live with common sense that Covid-19 is not disappearing anytime soon. Get vaccinated, get a booster shot, use mask and keep a distance. The aerosol transmission is real. Be respectful of one another. Is it too much to ask??
Mack
Tuesday 23rd of November 2021
@Randy, well.. hard to break this to you.. but Common sense, in actuality... just not so common for many still. I agree, I don't think it's too much to ask to get the basic right such as being vaccinated, booster shots, use mask and keep a distance, might I add.. hand sanitiser and washing hands as a default. But... most of the pain points that people expressed is more towards the requirements for entry that are unrealistic to a lot of people.
Ketut
Sunday 21st of November 2021
I do really want to go back to Bali ASAP,but I'm still worry and I would like to know what exactly the rule in Bali for the tourist?