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Australian national, Andrew Irvine Barnes (51) was released after his recent arrest for advertising a “Tantric Orgasm Retreat” on Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, social media. As previously reported, Barnes was detained by Bali some with chartered flights organized by their respective some with chartered flights organized by their respective Immigration and Police for his Tantric Orgasm Retreat that he promoted on social media with tickets being sold at USD $500 (IDR 7.1 million). 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, 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, The retreat was ofconsisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered consisting mostly of German nationals, boarded a chartered ficially cancelled and the page was removed from Facebook shortly after it German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same German Airlines flight on Saturday headed for Frankfurt, while over 400 passengers consisting of mostly French nationals headed to France with Qatar Airways on the same garnered negative attention online. day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. day. In addition, Austrian Airlines also reportedly carried over 200 passengers back to Austria. Barnes was being reported on by a lo- Foreign missions in Foreign missions in cal businesswoman, Ni Luh Djelantik, who filed a report to police regarding the retreat. Indonesia have actively used social media to assist their respective citizens. Indonesia have actively used social media to assist their respective citizens. Authorities arrived at Barnes’ residence in Lod Tunduh, Ubud, to take him to Ubud Police Department for investigation on Friday afternoon (5/3). As fewer flights become available due to global travel As fewer flights become available 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)

“Andrew admitted that he planned to hold the orgasm class at Amatara Hotel in Ubud, but he had canceled it despite receiving five bookings,” said AKBP Adnyana on Saturday (6/3). He was detained along with his partner, Tara Lie from Canada, who helped to organize the retreat. Meanwhile, immigration officers also did not find a violation of immigration laws as they both carry temporary limited residence (ITAS) permits for investors in Bali. Officers educated them by explaining that such activity is against the norm of Indonesian culture. (thebalisun.com 07/03/2021).

Bali Authorities Increase Safety Measures at Airport

Following the emergence of new, highly transmissible variants of COVID-19 overseas, Bali authorities have increased screening and safety measures at Ngurah Rai International Airport. Primarily, airport authorities are executing strenuous health protocols in every corner of the airport area. The Stakeholder Relations Manager of Ngurah Rai Airport, Taufan Yudhistira noted that as the main gateway into the island, the airport is responsible for preventing the transmission of all variants of COVID-19. No Large-Scale Social Restrictions policy for Bali just yet, provincial government says Hundreds of Indonesian crew members flying in from Italy skip quarantine after testing negative for COVID-19 The airport has carried out safety efforts such as preparing a thermal scanner. “We need to be more alert by adding screening measures,” said Yudhistira. Second, airport staff thoroughly reviews test documents and the Electronic Health Alert Card (eHAC) from each passenger upon arrival.

“Our supervision team will check all documents required such as e-HAC, swab test result, or rapid antigen test result while remindThe 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. ing them to comply with the prevention protocols in Bali,” Yudhistira added. He also said that the airport will cooperate with the Port’s Health Office (KKP) Class I Denpasar to support the program. Meanwhile, in response to the new variant of coronavirus, the Head of Bali Health Agency, Dr. Ketut Suarjaya claims that the COVID-19 vaccines currently being administered from Sinovac and Biofarma are quite effective in preventing its transmission. “According to the observation, the current vaccines we are receiving are also able to prevent the mutated virus transmission,” Dr. Suarjaya said. (thebalisun.com 08/03/2021). Woman Lost All Her Money After Being Hypnotized Speaking to Kumparan yesterday, regional secretary of the Bali administration, Dewa Made Indra, said that the provincial government is open to implementing PSBB, should risks of the novel coronavirus on the island continue to escalate and require a stricter approach. “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. As reported by Kompas, the crew members had also In Bali A local woman named Atik has lost the money in her bank account after strangely being hypnotized by strangers on the street in Tabanan. She doesn’t remember much except a group of peo“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. undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy ple leading her to the atm to drain her account. PSBB is designed to limit mobility within a region,essentially and permitted to The woman who lives in Banjar Taman Suradadi, Kediri Tabanan said that the incident occurred on Friday morning (5/3) as she was going to the ATM. 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 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 Atik had already withdrawn USD 70 (IDR 1 million) from BRI stricter enforcement. from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject bank’s ATM to purchase basic needs on Jalan Raya Abiantuwung, to health screening by the Port Health Authority upon Tabanan. Atik’s daughter, Iin explained that when her mother went to the local vendor, a lady wearing a black hat suddenly approached her. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services except those deemed essential, and also banning apparrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting early symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a “My mom told me that a fat woman suddenly tapped her shoulder, pretending to ask for something,” Iin said. Becoming suspicious, Atik tried to get away, yet suddenly a man approached her asking based motorcycle taxis from picking up passengers, meaning they are only allowed to transport goods and deliver food to customers. government facility for two weeks. On the other hand, those who do not exhibit early symptoms are advised to self-quarantine for the same period. if she could help him exchange his Singapore dollar with Indonesian rupiah. The official implementation requires regional governments Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture The only thing Atik remembers is that she lost all the money in to submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to her bank as they somehow made her withdraw all funds from the ATM.spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not stay in the countries in which they are living. The government said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that After the incident, Atik to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently filed a report to Tabanan Police Department. Officers tried to investigate the case overly bureaucratic. Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international by gathering information from the location. According to the CCTV footage, there were of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are five perpetrators and they drove a black Toyota Avanza. coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of Iin hopes that the perpetrators will be arrested soon, as the police already received other reports from two different people with the same case recently.(thebalisun.com 10/03/2021). 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) 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)

Indonesia to temporarily ban all foreign arrivals, transits to curb further spread of coronavirus Indonesia to temporarily ban all foreign arrivals, transits to curb further spread of coronavirus Bali governor designates Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua as COVID-19 ‘green zones’ for foreign tourists

Three popular tourist destinations in Bali have officially been JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits designated “green zones,” the governor announced yesterforeign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread day, as Indonesia appears to be moving forward with plans coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to of the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current to reopen the island to foreign visitors in the near future. be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and tranpolicy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that sits 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). 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 As previously hinted, officials have settled on Ubud, Sanur, and the Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) area in Nusa Dua as green zones, which Bali Governor WayExceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well Widodo on Tuesday (March 31). an Koster explained was part of a new “COVID-19 safe travas diplomats, Ms Retno added, stressing that proper health protocols will still apply. President Joko said before the ministers’ meeting Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as el” strategy. 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. 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 The green zones are part of a “Free COVID Corridor” program, Koster said, and the first step of this strategy is to vaccinate everyone who resides and conducts activities in the designated areas. well as over 60,000 people in Nusa Dua, and nearly 27,000 people in Sanur, who are residing in villages and sub-districts that have been officially selected. 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. 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 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 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 “This Free COVID Corridor Program is a precondition for steps to reopen tourism to foreign tourists,” Koster said at a press conference in Denpasar. The governor said that more than 50,000 people in Ubud are going to be vaccinated as part of this particular program, as The province reported 256 new coronavirus cases and seven deaths yesterday. According to Dicky Budiman, an epidemiologist from Griffith University Australia, Bali should achieve a target of at least two weeks without reporting any deaths, among a bunch of other targets to fulfill, before even considering to reopen to mass tourism. (coconuts.co 23/02/2021) Foreigners defying health protocols in Bali face IDR1 million fine, possible deportation last month, the Public Order Agency (Satpol PP) said that 90 percent of mask rule violators in the regency are foreigners. As a result, Koster said that the central government has urged his administration to implement stricter administrative “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 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) Bali plans to hold Nyepi-like observance to curb COVID-19 spread Bali province’s Majelis Desa Adat, or traditional village council, 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 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. sanctions for those who disobey health protocols. Bali started implementing a mandatory mask rule in September, where individuals without masks outside of their homes were subject to an IDR100,000 (US$6.98) fine, which applied for both Indonesian citizens and foreign nationals. 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. 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 It’s official. Foreign nationals in Bali are now subject to a higher fine of IDR1 million (US$69.80) if they are caught without masks the first time, while a second violation may “(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 However, foreigners appear to have disproportionately disregarded the rule in the months since, with authorities saying that those initial fines were “too cheap” for them. Under the new regulation, Indonesians without masks are still subThe council’s chief, Ida Panglingsir Agung Putra Sukahet, told protocols at airports, seaports, border check points on these subject them to deportation from Indonesia, according to a days alone, 876 buses had transported about 14,000 people ject to IDR100,000 fine, but the fine for foreign nationals Tribun yesterday that nothing has been decided for the time returning countrymen. Mr Joko on Monday said Indonesia new regulation. in Greater Jakarta back to their home towns, mostly in West has increased tenfold for their first violation. being, as authorities would need to hold a meeting first. needs stronger measures to limit mobility after receiving Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java provinces. reports that thousands of workers in Jakarta and its surrounding The new rules are laid out in Bali Gubernatorial Regulation Should they be caught a second time without masks, they “We will decide on April 8. If it’s going to happen we will issue areas have returned to their home towns after losing most or No. 10/2021 and officially came into effect on March 4, Others had taken the trains and ships home, he added. These could face deportation. an official circular from the traditional village council,” Agung all of their income amid the coronavirus outbreak. though today appears to be the first time Governor Wayan are mostly daily-rated workers such as push-cart food sellers, Putra was quoted as saying. There have been concerns of a spread of infections as people Koster announced it in public. in what is termed the informal sector of the economy. (straitstimes.com 01/04/2020) After almost a year of foreigners refusing to wear masks in public, especially in popular areas like Ubud and Canggu, are The observance, locally referred to as sipeng, will only man-For months now, authorities have had to deal with foreigners we about to see better compliance to basic health protocols date 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. important to inform the general public way ahead of the actual dates. So it doesn’t seem so abrupt.” “So will there be Bali’s The Nusa Dua improves safety measures amid pandemic State-owned enterprise Indonesia Tourism Development defying the province’s mandatory mask rule, as they make up the majority of violators in regions such as Badung. Just across the island? (coconuts.co 09/03/2021). Internet to stay on during Nyepi: Bali provincial government In case you’ve been worried about going offline this coming Sunday, the provincial government has confirmed that the internet will stay on during Nyepi, or the Balinese Day of Silence, this year. News reports published last week, which said that there was going to be a province-wide internet shutdown during Nyepi, caused some confusion among the public. “This means that cellular data and IPTV (Internet Protocol television) will be off, but the internet will remain on. The internet at home, especially in hospitals and other vital objects will be on like normal,” Gede Pramana, Head of the Communication, Informatics and Statistics Agency in Bali, said in a statement. “Only [cellular data] on phones will be off. You can still text and call, even your computer, laptop and mobile phones can connect to the Wi-Fi at home or office and be used like normal.” 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. “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 Thousands of workers in Bali on unpaid leave, hundreds more laid off 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 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) 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) work or travel, as they are expected to use the day for selfreflection. Cellular data services being turned off during Nyepi is not exactly new, and non-mobile internet service providers (ISPs) have also largely remained operational in previous years. In addition, transportation hubs, including the Ngurah The holy day falls on Sunday, March 14 this year. Everyone the operational cost. That’s why they have instructed them to stay Rai International Airport, will be closed for 24 hours from on the island is expected to respect the sacred practice and home. However, we do hope they won’t be laying off [these work-Denpasar mayor urges city residents to stay at home amid coronavirus outbreak 6am on March 14 to 6am on March 15. (coconuts.co stay inside, where lights are not supposed to be seen from the outside. Tradition holds that people are not supposed to The Mayor of Denpasar yesterday urged the city’s residents to ers],” I Made Badra, who heads the Tourism Agency in Badung, told Tribun. 09/03/2021). 2 Balinese men arrested for alleged attempt to deposit US$1.5 million of counterfeit cashBali hotels roll out cheap promos or shut to survive coronavirus outbreak refrain from returning to their hometowns and stay at home instead, as part of an effort to curb the spread of COVID-19 in In Denpasar, as many as 2,975 workers were told to stay at home 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 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 brought 15,000 one hundred US dollar bills and attempted to make a deposit. Bank tellers followed procedures while assisting them, during which they discovered irregularities. without pay while another 53 workers were laid off, the city’s spokesCOVID-19 spread,” , as quoted by state news agency Antara. opted to temporarily close for at least one month. Two Balinese residents were arrested in Surabaya, East Java after allegedly attempting to deposit US$1.5 million of fake bills at a local bank. man 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 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, “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 “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 “Each [US] dollar has a serial number, and after [these were] checked it showed that these ones don’t exist,” Oki said, adding that the bills were also imperfectly printed. Authorities then took the bills for examination, and it was found that they were fake bills. IWW and SMJ told the police that they obtained the counterfeit money from someone in Bali, adding that they have used the money for personal expenses so far. They traveled to Surabaya intending to deposit the money so they can write checks. Oki Ahadian, who heads the criminal investigation unit at Surabaya City Police, said yesterday that the two suspects, identified as 42-year-old IWW and 56-year-old SMJ, had 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. including two deaths of foreign nationals, while a total of 141 patients have been placed under observation, as per data from the provincial government. 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) nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately. Under Indonesia’s criminal code (KUHP), they each face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison. (coconuts.co 09/03/2021).