Local News

A Turkish sailor who was recently found off the northern coast of Bali by local fishermen after floating at sea for several days has been sent home this week, officials say. Thirty-nine-year-old Erhan Seckal was adrift in the ocean Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective governments, following flight cancelations across the globe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, some with chartered flights organized by their respective governments, following flight cancelations across the globe amid the COVID-19 outbreak. The Ngurah Rai Immigration office said in a statement that over 200 foreigners, consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. over 200 passengers back to Austria. Foreign missions in Foreign missions in Indonesia have Indonesia have actively used social actively used social media to assist their media to assist their respective citizens. respective citizens. As fewer flights As fewer flights become available become available due to global travel due to global travel restrictions, their restrictions, their efforts include efforts include assisting those seeking to return home to find available assisting those seeking to return home to find available flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the flights. I Putu Surya Dharma, a spokesperson from the regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, regional office for the Ministry of Law and Human Rights, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, told Nusa Bali yesterday that between March 1 and 26, nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, nearly 254,000 foreign tourists have left the island. However, the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists the same period also recorded over 169,000 foreign tourists arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia arriving in Bali, he added. Travelers from Australia, Russia and the United States topped the list of visitors. and the United States topped the list of visitors. Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were Last week, American and Australian citizens in Indonesia were ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus ordered to leave the country amid the novel coronavirus outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s outbreak, wherein officials also cited evidence of Indonesia’s current medical capacity, among other things, to urge current medical capacity, among other things, to urge immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend immediate action. Some foreigners have decided to extend their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed their stay in Indonesia, it seems, as evident by packed immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s immigration offices across Bali last week. Indonesia’s Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to Directorate General of Immigration has swiftly responded to the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners the spike in visa extension requests, and eligible foreigners unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 unable to return to their home countries due to COVID-19 are being given an automatic extension for their stay are being given an automatic extension for their stay permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020) permits. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

for three days after he fell overboard from his ship on May 2. Local outlets reported that Seckal’s ship departed from an Australian port and was bound for Vietnam. In the early morning of May 5, a local fisherman named Gede Budiasa, 30, who lives in Kubutambahan Village, Buleleng, saw a man waving his hands asking for help on top of a fish aggregating device (locally known as rumpon). Severely exhausted and dehydrated, Seckal was immediately rushed by locals to the nearest local community health center for medical help. In the meantime, local authorities ruled that Seckal had to be deported to Istanbul. “He was sent home because he technically entered Indonesian territory without proper documents or stay permits,” Singaraja Immigration Office Head Nanang Mustofa said in a written statement. Seckal did not have any documents with him when he was found, not even his passport, Nanang added. Seckal boarded Turkish Airlines Flight TK-067 from Denpasar to Istanbul via Dubai on Tuesday, which departed at 9pm. The Turkish Embassy reportedly said it appreciated local authorities for ensuring Seckal’s health before facilitating his way back home.

No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying yet, provincial government says in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19

Health Ministry readies health facilities for acute hepatitis patients Spokesperson of the Ministry of Health, Siti Nadia The Bali provincial government says it has yet to consider imposing Large-Scale Social Restrictions (PSBB) policy, which requires approval from the central government, to curb the spread of COVID-19 here, claiming that it has already implemented similar steps to an extent. Over 300 Indonesian crew members from the MSC Splendida cruise ship reportedly did not undergo quarantine upon arrival at Ngurah Rai International Airport despite having flown in from Genoa, Italy on Monday night. Officials said all of them tested negative for the novel coronavirus, after rapid tests that were conducted at the airport. Tarmizi, has ensured that health facilities at central and regional levels are ready to provide services for patients with acute hepatitis. “For referral at the national level, we have readied the Sulianti Saroso Hospital. However, in all provinces, there are also hospitals under the Ministry of Health that are ready to provide treatment,” Tarmizi stated at Speaking to Kumparan yesterday, regional secretary of the Bali administration, Dewa Made Indra, said that the provincial “As soon as they arrived they were checked by officers from the Port Health Authority and followed with rapid tests. The results were negative and [they] didn’t have to be quarantined,” Ida Bagus Ngurah Arda, who heads Bali province’s Manpower Agency, told Kompas yesterday. There were 316 Indonesian crew members in total who boarded a flight with Qatar Airlines from Genoa to Denpasar, via Doha. a webinar titled “Protect Children from Acute Hepatitis”, accessed here on Friday. In addition, the ministry has cooperated with the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI) and networks of pediatric specialists in all districts and cities to monitor and follow further developments in the handling of acute hepatitis. government is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of the novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and require a stricter approach. “Here in Bali we are already enforcing strict limitations. Substantially we have preceded this PSBB policy, but formally and according to the [new] government regulation of course we haven’t,” Indra said. As reported by Kompas, the crew members had also undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy Meanwhile, to facilitate the handling of cases of acute hepatitis with severe symptoms, the Ministry of Health provides examination services at four laboratories that can be used as referrals, specifically the Sulianti Saroso Hospital, National Laboratory of the Ministry of Health, PSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially imposing the same social distancing measures that have already been seen in parts of Indonesia affected by the viral disease, though this includes additional measures and stricter enforcement. and permitted to return to Indonesia. Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 105,000 confirmed cases and more than 12,000 deaths. Indonesians coming from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject Prof. Dr Sri Oemijati National Laboratory for Infectious to health screening by the Port Health Authority upon Diseases, and the laboratory in Nusantik. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services arrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting except those deemed essential, and also banning appearly symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a At the regional level, Tarmizi affirmed that the ministry based motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meangovernment facility for two weeks. On the other hand, had coordinated with regional governments to ready ing they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver those who do not exhibit early symptoms are advised to the public hospital in each region as a referral in han food to customers. self-quarantine for the same period. dling acute hepatitis cases. The official implementation requires regional governments Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture To this end, she urged everyone to implement a clean to submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to and healthy lifestyle by regularly washing hands, eating spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other stay in the countries in which they are living. The government cooked food, drinking clean water, wearing masks, and things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that completing children’s immunization with the hepatitis B to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently vaccine. overly bureaucratic. anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement The Ministry of Health had increased vigilance against Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international a mysterious form of acute hepatitis that is affecting of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt children in several countries. The ministry sent a letter country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be of vigilance to the provincial, district, and city health afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are offices, specifically Circular Letter Number HK.02.02/C/2515/2022, concerning precautions for the discovery of acute hepatitis cases of unknown etiology. (antaranews.com 16/05/2022) coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. Bali, for its part, has so far reported 43 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020) about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of yesterday afternoon, Bali has recorded 19 positive COVID-19 cases. This includes two deaths of foreign nationals and four recoveries. (coconuts.com 01/04/2020)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are

Domestic Visitors To Bali Drop By 10% As International Arrivals Improve

Following a flurry of domestic travelers over the Eid Al-Fitr weekend, the number of domestic travelers arriving in Bali has started to decline. In the days leading up to the Eid holiday, Bali welcomed an average of 39,000 people per day. Since then, the number of domestic arrivals has decreased by 10% per day. This was to be expected and the Bali Tourism Office is not disheartened by these figures. Many of the visitors arrived in Bali by ferry, since travelling by boat from Java is often cheaper than traveling by plane. Over the Eid weekend, travelers from Java arrived via I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport, Padang Bai Harbor, and Gilimanuk Harbor in Jembrana. Sanur Port welcomed a record number of visitors through the harbor. The influx of travelers to Bali mainly concentrated in Kuta and Seminyak, though thousands of visitors traveled to neighboring islands of Nusa Dua, Nusa Lembongan, and the Gili Islands. In a pre-pandemic era, seeing domestic tourism numbers fall so rapidly and consistently would be a cause for concern. Many of the domestic travelers who headed to Bali

11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) Local authorities in Bali are reporting hundreds of workers having lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 outbreak and its subsequent impacts on the tourism industry, while thousands more have been instructed to stay at home without pay. In Denpasar, as many as 2,975 workers were told to stay at home without pay while another 53 workers were laid off, the city’s spokesman Gede Rai told Kompas, adding that the workers were from 37 different companies. “It’s because there is a lack of guests and hotels are not operating,” Gede Rai said. For the time being, authorities in Denpasar are reportedly planning a social protection strategy for these workers, including through Indonesian government’s pre-employment cards, which was launched last month. The cards, which aim to aid job seekers and unemployed workers, grant them access and funding to various trainings. The numbers are even higher in Badung regency, where some of the island’s most popular hotels and restaurants are located. An official from the regency’s Industry and Manpower Agency told Tribun yesterday that 198 workers have been laid off as of April 4, most of whom were employed in the tourism sector.

Bali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spread

Bali province’s Majelis Desa Adat, or traditional village council, says there are plans to hold a Nyepi-like observance later this month as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 on the island, with the final decision set to be announced tomorrow. The council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told Tribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time being, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung Putra was quoted as saying. The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only mandate that people stay at home for three consecutive days and will not follow the exact same rules as the Balinese Day of Silence, according to reports. Ordinarily, Nyepi encourages self-reflection by prohibiting activities such as lighting a fire, working, and traveling or going out, among others. The planned sipeng, however, would only prohibit people from leaving their homes. While official details have not been announced, news of sipeng quickly made its rounds on social media, showcasing divided opinions among local residents. Prompted by concerns over COVID-19, som e are supportive of the initiative, while others question how people are expected to meet their daily needs should the observance take place. “I agree, but it’s

Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off

“Everywhere [in Indonesia] is pretty much facing the same condition. We don’t know when this will end,” Ida Bagus Oka Dirga, who heads the agency, said. He added that in Badung, more than 6,000 workers from 78 companies have been instructed to stay at home and given between 50 to 70 percent of their minimum salary. “Right now, with the hotels empty, of course workers will burden the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these workers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Tribun.

Bali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronavirus outbreak

The Bali Hotel Association (BHA), whose members include general managers of over 100 four-star and five-star hotels and resorts in Bali, said that most accommodations and restaurants in Bali have opted to temporarily close for at least one month. “At this time, almost all hotels and restaurants in Bali are closed temporarily for one to two months, as we monitor the most up to date situation,” BHA chairman I Made Ricky Darmika Putra told state news agency Antara yesterday. Ricky also responded to circulating information that many hotels in Bali are up for sale, clarifying that those reports are false. In addition, he explained how hotels that are still open have less than 10 percent occupancy rates, while most restaurants have cut their operational hours short. Meanwhile, some other hotels are still seeking to attract potential customers, and are rolling out cheap promotions on long-term stays. One example is Lv8, a hotel located in Canggu, which offers a one-month stay fee starting from IDR8million (US$481). For perspective, the hotel’s normal daily rate ranges from IDR800K-1 million. (coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and transits by foreign nationals to Indonesia will temporarily be banned,” Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters after a virtual ministers’ meeting with President Joko Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well as diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to limit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epicentres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Europe. In Indonesia, Jakarta is the epicentre of the country’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed cases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups of homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indonesians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 11,838 Indonesian crews working for 80 cruise ships, as per data gathered so far,” Ms Retno added. She said the government is implementing proper health protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people important to inform the general public way ahead of the actual dates. So it doesn’t seem so abrupt.” “So will there be provision of food from the government?” “Those who have plenty of money from monthly salary have it good as they can simply stock up, but what can we do when we depend on daily income. If it were to happen for four days please think it further wisely.” As of yesterday afternoon, Bali confirmed eight additional cases of COVID-19, bringing the island’s total to 43. This includes 19 recoveries and two deaths of foreign nationals. (Coconuts.com 07/04/2020)

from Jakarta, the epicentre of the country’s outbreak, return home. The government is preparing regulations that would make it possible for Jakarta and other coronavirus red zones to be put under an “area quarantine”, a term observers see as equivalent to a lockdown, which would stop flows of people going in and out. Coordinating maritime affairs and investment minister Luhut Pandjaitan said in a video message on Tuesday that the government would take the decision within this week, stressing however Indonesia would use the term lockdown. Indonesia would also issue a presidential emergency decree that would allow the government to have an annual budget deficit of larger than 3 per cent – currently not allowed by the existing laws – so that it could spend more to deploy cash, especially to the poorest population in the country. This exemption would apply for three years, before a normal threshold of 3 per cent would be reinstalled for 2023 annual budget year. “(Finance Minister) Sri Mulyani is currently making her calculation. What if we give the bottom 40 per cent or 20 per cent direct cash handouts. It is being thoroughly calculated,” Mr Luhut said. President Joko said on Monday that over the past eight days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020)

Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic

State-owned enterprise Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) is implementing safety measures to help stop the spread of COVID-19 at tourist destination The Nusa Dua in Bali. I Gusti Ngurah Ardita, managing director of The Nusa Dua, told Antara news agency that a letter had been sent to tenants, urging them to provide hand sanitizers and regularly spray disinfectant in public areas, including toilets, pray rooms, ATM booths and shuttle buses. “This is in accordance with a circular letter from Bali’s provincial administration on improving hygiene and sanitation to combat the virus,” he said. Tenants at The Nusa Dua are also required to check the temperature of all staff and visitors and to routinely clean their sites. A crisis center has been set up for guests, with services that include delivery to the nearest hospital and routine check-ups with health agencies. Ardita added that The Nusa Dua’s employees have been working from home from March 16, except for security and cleaning staff, who have been equipped with protective gear and follow physical distancing measures while on duty. As of March 26, the occupancy rate at The Nusa Dua had dropped 30.45 percent since February. “We hope the pandemic will end soon and tourism in Bali can improve,” said Ardita. On Tuesday, Bali declared a state of emergency by imposing stricter measures on visitors in an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 as cases continue to climb with local transmission detected. With the status, the resort island will tighten checks at entrance gates and enforce a 14-day self-quarantine for all people entering the island. (thejakartapost.com 01/04/2020)

Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak

The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home instead, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Bali. “I am asking all residents living in Denpasar for the time being do not go anywhere, including to go to your hometown, stay at your respective homes [instead] to break the chain on COVID-19 spread,” , as quoted by state news agency Antara. Many of those who live in Denpasar hail from different parts of the island and even the country. With the social and physical distancing advisory in place and the option to return to their family homes might make sense financially, officials fear it might contribute to further spread of COVID-19. According to Denpasar government’s, there are currently 96 people under monitoring in the city, along with two patients under observation and two more who have tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Across Bali, the total number of positive COVID-19 cases stand at 10 as of yesterday afternoon, including two deaths of foreign nationals, while a total of 141 patients have been placed under observation, as per data from the provincial government.

The Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bali have confirmed that they will be submitting a proposal to the central government of Indonesia requesting that the visa on arrival program is extended to include all 198 of the world’s recognized countries. In a bold move, the Hotel and Restaurant Association of Bali, also commonly referred in English to as the Bali Tourism Association, will be lodging a proposal to expand Indonesia’s newly resumed visa on arrival program. The visa on arrival program was resumed in phases as of February 2022, when borders officially reopened. As of the 28th of April 2022, the government added an additional 17 countries to the list, taking the total number of countries to sixty. This was considered sufficient and saw Indonesia’s visa on arrival program open to as many countries as it was before the Covid-19 pandemic. The visa on arrival program is currently open to travelers from South Africa, United States of America, Saudi Arabia, Argentina, Austria, Australia, Netherlands, Belgium, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Philippines, Finland, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Italy, United Kingdom, Ireland, Japan, Germany, Cambodia, Canada, South Korea, Croatia, Laos, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Myanmar, Norway, France, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, New Zealand, Seychelles, Singapore, Cyrus, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Timor Leste, China, Tunisia, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, and Greece. The visa on arrival is not free. The charge is 500,000 IDR ($35), is valid for 30-days, and can be extended one time within Bali. There have been rumors that there are plans to triple the visa on arrival fee. In a recent press statement, Bali Governor Wayan Koster denied this. There would be an immediate backlash at such a staggering “Our success in breaking the chain of coronavirus spread requires discipline and cooperation from everyone, not only the government, but also the public in heeding the instructions and suggestions from officials,” Rai Mantra said. Last week, a nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately.

increase. It is clear that the Indonesian government is keen to be seen as keeping everyone as happy as they can be it comes to policies around travel and tourism as the world opens back from Covid-19. The Bali Tourism Office have told local reporters that they believe increasing the visa on arrival to 198 would help speed up the recovery of Bali’s tourism sector and in turn the national economy. They cited that over the Eid Al-Fitr holiday that hotel occupancy across Bali increased to 60% but that there has since been a drop off in visitor numbers. They said that they hope international tourist numbers will increase as Europe and North America head into the summer and as Australia and New Zealand move closer to the long winter school holidays. Such a move would be a world first. At present, there is no country in the world that issues a visa on arrival to every other country in the world. Visa on arrival programs are often bilateral, reciprocal agreements, meaning if one country agrees to offer a visa on arrival for the citizens of another country, that other country will mirror the offering. from cities across Java have now returned home. Given that the pandemic is not over, and many workers are only just returning to employment following successive lockdowns, disposable income for long vacations is not readily available for the average family in Indonesia at this time. The tourism board has said that they are not concerned but this decline in incoming domestic travelers and have described how they are anticipating a steady increase in international visitors from here on in. With the Australian winter holidays approaching, and the long school holidays for the European summer, Bali can expect to welcome substantially more international visitors in the coming months than in the last two years combined. According to Gunandika, the Head of Tourism Marketing Development at the Bali Tourism Office, Bali is welcoming on average 4,000 international travelers per day through Ngurah Rai airport in Denpasar. The airport management team is bracing for an influx of Australian tourists in late June and July. Since the reopening of Indonesia’s borders in February, and the full resumption of the visa on arrival program in late March, Bali has seen a slow but steady increase in visitor numbers. Despite the central government keeping Bali on Covid-19 Restriction Level 2, visitors seem comfortable and confident to return to Indonesia. Beaches, cafes, restaurants, and event spaces are all open and operating at a limited capacity. For example, cafes and restaurants can operate at 75% seating capacity and diners are allowed to sit for a maximum of an hour.

Masks No Longer Required in Open Space: Jokowi

The government has decided to relax the mask requirement in open places with no crowds and drop the testing rule for domestic and foreign travelers, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday announced on Tuesday, marking the country’s significant improvement in Covid-19 pandemic handling. “First, the government decided to relax the policy on wearing masks,” Jokowi said in a video broadcast from Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java. “Suppose people are active outdoors or in open areas that are not crowded with people. In that case, they are not allowed to wear masks,” he said. Still, people must wear masks during closed rooms activities and or public transport rides. “For people in the vulnerable category, like the elderly or those with comorbid diseases, I still recommend wearing masks in their daily activities,” Jokowi said. He also required people with cold symptoms, like cough or fever, to wear masks when meeting with people. Secondly, Jokowi said the government had dropped the polymerase chain reaction test (PCR) or antigen swab tests requirement for domestic and foreign travelers who received a complete vaccination dose. The announcement marked Indonesia’s most relaxed rules since the government introduced the mask mandate in 2020. The government had also said last month that it would ease more pandemic restrictions should the Idul Fitri exodus did not start another Covid-19 wave. On Tuesday, the government reported 247 new cases and 17 new deaths caused by Covid-19. (jakartaglobe.id 17/05)