Vice Governor Asks Central Government To Keep Bali Open For Domestic Tourists

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Bali Vice Governor, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) has asked the central government to keep Bali open for domestic tourists during the travel ban.

As The Bali Sun previously reported, Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has announced to implement an internal travel ban during the Eid Al-Fitr Celebration which starts from the 6th to 17th of May.

The policy was initiated as a prevention protocol from the government to avoid a surge in Covid-19 cases during the holiday season.

Meanwhile, Cok Ace proposed that the central government consider making an exception for domestic tourists and allow them to gain access to Bali.

During a meeting with the Bali House of Representatives on Monday (19/4), Cok Ace explained that Bali would not see a large amount of domestic tourists despite the revocation of the travel ban.

“We could only expect to receive around 10,000 domestic tourists if the central government agrees to grant domestic tourists an exception on this upcoming travel ban,” Cok Ace said.

Cok Ace also assured the President that the people who would gain access to enter the island are the visitors for holiday purposes only.

“As we all know that this policy was initiated to reduce travel during the Eid celebration where people are used to visiting their hometown and gathering family, but I think it won’t be the case for Bali as people who visit the island are for holiday purpose. Besides, we’re already prepared to welcome visitors with all prevention protocols in place” Cok Ace concluded.