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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid Hundreds of foreign nationals leave Bali amid expressed his commitment to attending coronavirus outbreak coronavirus outbreak the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022.

Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, Hundreds of foreigners departed Bali over the weekend, “Today, I informed President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) that I will attend the G20 Summit in Bali in November 2022,” PM Albanese stated after holding a bilateral meeting with President Joko Widodo at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Monday. 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, 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, Albanese stressed that the G20 summit meeting held immense 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)

significance amid the current global economic uncertainty. “We must effectively overcome the many challenges we face in navigating the global economic recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic. I will work closely with President Jokowi to help make the G20 Indonesia Summit a success,” Albanese remarked. Albanese expressed belief that Indonesia would rank among the top five economies in the world. Australia will work with Indonesia to realize the potential of the Indonesia-Australia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

“Our minister of economy will discuss regularly, and we will continue to provide support from the business side,” he affirmed. Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan had earlier visited the Ngurah Rai Mangrove Public Forest and Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Park in Bali Province to review preparations for the 2022 G20 Summit. Pandjaitan undertook the visit on May 6, 2022. At the public forest, he reviewed the construction of the 2022 G20 delegation’s drop-off and pick-up zone, the ‘wantilan’ (Balinese pavilion), as well as mangrove seedling nursery area. The minister emphasised that the revitalisation should provide security and comfort to the delegations. “(This is) especially important at several main attractions of the forest, such as the ‘wantilan’, tracking lanes, photo spots, nursery areas, as well as viewing towers and deck,” he noted.

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 Furthermore, the coordinating minister, who is concurrently chairperson of the organiser of the 2022 G20 Indonesia Presidency, inspected the road and renovation work at GWK Park as well as reviewed the security of the park and traffic engineering of the surrounding roads. 28-Year-Old Australian Tourist Dies At Hotel 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. In Bali Bali’s Badung Police Department has released a statement to confirm that an Australian national was found dead in their hotel room on Friday 10th June. Tyler Turgay Kay, 28, from Australia was found in his hotel room by the hotel’s staff. The alarm was raised when Kay did not answer his phone or the knocks on his door. He is believed to be traveling with fellow Australian Erol Gurcinar, 35. Both Kay and Gurcinar were staying at the De Vins Sky Hotel, Kerobokan Kelod Village in North Kuta. The statement from the Badung Police Head of Public Relations, Iptu Ketut, confirmed that Gurcinar contacted hotel management when Kay failed to respond to his phone call. The hotel manager, Komang Maherna arranged for housekeeping to assist in opening the door. Upon entering the room it was clear that Kay had died. 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. “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. 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 “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 undergone a health examination while in Genoa, after which they were declared healthy and permitted to return to Indonesia. Italy is one of the countries hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic, with over 105,000 confirmed Kay was found in his bed and there were no signs of suspicious activity or violence. Police did find Kay’s epilepsy medication in his bag. The anticonvulsant medication is thought to be Kay’s prescription medication. disease, though this includes additional measures and stricter enforcement. The policy includes shuttering of all businesses and services except those deemed essential, and also banning appcases and more than 12,000 deaths. Indonesians coming from COVID-19 hot zones, which includes Italy, are subject to health screening by the Port Health Authority upon arrival. Should authorities find that they are exhibiting early symptoms of COVID-19, they will be observed at a Although there was no suspicious activity reported and no evidence of foul play at the scene, the police investigation remains open as a post-mortem examination is 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. underway. Only once the coroner confirms the cause of death can the police close the case. Kay was taken to Sanglah Hospital in Denpasar. It is from here that his loved ones will be able to make plans for the repatriation of his body back to Australia. The official implementation requires regional governments to submit relevant data and reports regarding COVID-19 spread in their area to the Health Ministry, among other things, which will assess them and decide on whether or not to grant approval. The process has been criticized for being Yesterday, Coordinating Human Development and Culture Minister Muhadjir Effendy urged Indonesians overseas to stay in the countries in which they are living. The government said there are no plans to arrange their repatriation, but that they will be provided with supplies. Indonesia is currently The Badung Police did not share a date for if and when overly bureaucratic. anticipating mass arrivals of Indonesians abroad, particularly the cause of death will be shared with the public. It is likely that Kay’s family will decide whether such information should be released. Indonesia’s capital Jakarta, which has the highest number of confirmed COVID-19 cases, is set to become the country’s first region to officially enforce PSBB. As of this those seeking to leave Malaysia as it enforces its movement control order (MCO), as well as crew members of international cruise ships looking to return home as some cruise lines halt their operations. For the latter, their return will likely be The De Vins Sky Hotel has not released a statement and has been cooperative with the police investigation afternoon, the city reports 1,395 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, including 133 deaths and 69 recoveries. through Ngurah Rai, Muhadjir said, adding that there are about 11,000 Indonesian crew members abroad. As of so far. The De Vins Sky Hotel is a 4-star hotel with 109 rooms that can be found a 13-minute walk from Bali Beach. 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)

The 2022 Bali Arts Festival, held from June 12 to July 10, 2022, can JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits by JAKARTA - Indonesia will temporarily ban all visits and transits help restore Bali’s tourism and creative economy sectors affected by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread of the by foreign nationals to the country to curb the further spread the COVID-19 pandemic, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that all visits and tranof the coronavirus. “President (Joko) sees that our current policy needs to be made stricter. We have decided that Sandiaga Uno said. 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). Exceptions to the ban include those with work permits as well 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). “This really drives the economy, reinvigorates and restores the tourism sector, especially the creative economy,” Uno stated while attending the opening parade of the 2022 Bali Arts Festival in Denpasar on Sunday. 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 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 Uno explained that cultural arts activities can speed up the tourism recovery, therefore his party strongly supports this kind of event. come from overseas. Mr Joko pointed out specifically that the epiministers’ meeting that Indonesia is stepping up measures to centres of the pandemic have shifted to the United States and Eulimit mobility among its citizens within the country, but threats In 2022, the Bali Arts Festival carries the theme “Danu Kerthi: Hulrope. of coronavirus spread also come from overseas. Mr Joko uning Amreta” which is interpreted as water as the source of life. 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 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 corona“On behalf of the central government, we really appreciate the Bali Arts Festival after two years of the pandemic. We see that people’s enthusiasm is extraordinary,” Uno said. know with e-mail alerts. “Practically all nations have put in place limits virus crisis, accounting for nearly half of the 1,414 confirmed on the flow of travellers with varying (degree of) strictness dependcases. There are 122 deaths from Covid-19, the disease The minister also said his party was also grateful for all that is ining on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms caused by the coronavirus, in Indonesia so far, the highest in volved, especially the local government in the implementation of the Retno said. South-east Asia. Stay in the know with e-mail alerts. “Practically Bali Arts Festival. all nations have put in place limits on the flow of travellers 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 with varying (degree of) strictness depending on the respective situation and condition in each country,” Ms Retno said. “I am very proud, and hopefully, this can open up business opportunities and accelerate job employments which were contracted due to Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers from Malaysia as well as Indonesians working as crews on cruise ships. Their policies have also impacted Indonesians living overseas, many of whom have recently returned home or are preparing the pandemic,” he said. Bali Welcomes Over 1 Million Travellers In May “The inflow traffic from these two groups has been far larger than to head home. According to Ms Retno, the two largest groups normal,” Ms Retno said. “In terms of size, the number of Indoneof homebound Indonesians are Indonesian migrant workers sians living and working in Malaysia exceeds 1 million. And there are 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.

The 44th Bali Arts Festival in 2022 will be held for a month, involving as many as 16,150 artists and 200 creative studios, groups, and art communities. Not only artists from Bali, but many artists and creative actors from different backgrounds such as Yogyakarta, Papua, Lombok, Batak, and Betawi, also participate in the event. The annual Bali Arts Festival this year is also special because there are two other traditional art agendas carried out coincidentally, which are the Bali World Cultural Celebrations (BWCC), from June 12 to June 25, 2022, and the art appreciation event Jantra Tradisi Bali from June 20 June to July 26, 2022. around wearing masks in outdoor public settings. The central government also extended the visa on arrival program to include 72 countries.

Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport has released its flight data for May 2022. The airport experiences a 64% increase in passengers, welcoming over one million travelers through the terminal during the month. Ngurah Rai airport is the main port of entry for both domestic and international travelers. The official figures shared by the airport’s management team show that 1,006,663 passengers were served across 7,002 flights in May. Domestic travelers made up the vast majority of airport arrivals in May 2022. A total of 772,116 people were welcomed into the domestic terminal building. Although domestic arrivals accounted for almost three-quarters of all arrivals, it was international arrivals that saw the biggest leap in figures. International arrivals increased by 107% from April to May 2022. Nearly a quarter of a million international travelers arrived in Bali and it is thought that this huge spike in arrivals can be attributed to the recent relaxation in Covid-19 related restrictions. On 17th May Bali announced that the pre-arrival PCR test for fully vaccinated travelers was removed. Officials also relaxed the rules 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)

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 rise in the number of international arrivals can also be explained by the resumption of budget airline flight schedules to Bali. In May airline giants Emirates returned to the runway at Ngurah Rai for the first time in two years, connecting travellers from the Middle East to Bali with ease. AirAsia resumed its flight schedule from Perth to Bali in mid-May and VietJet relaunched its Bali to Ho Chi Minh flight service too. In a press release confirming the latest data, the General Manager of I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, Handy Heryudhitiawan said ‘According to the current regulations, for both domestic and international passengers, there is no longer a requirement for Covid-19 test results for those who have taken booster vaccines or complete vaccines. This certainly makes it easier for people who will travel by air’. The greatest number of domestic travellers are heading to Bali from Jakarta. Even in pre-pandemic times, the majority of domestic arrivals in Bali came from Jakarta, followed by Surabaya and Makassar. In terms of international arrivals in Bali, the majority of arrivals in May came from Singapore, closely followed by Melbourne and Kuala Lumpur. The data differentiates between where passengers departed from and their nationality. So although the 92,928 passengers arrived from Singapore making it the top departure point for Bali arrivals, Australians once again topped the list with the highest number of foreign arrivals in Bali. A total of 48,000 Australians arrived in Bali in May. Closely followed by 15,341 passengers from the United Kingdom and 14,932 travellers from India.

Local wisdom highlighted in drafting Bali Province Bill: Minister

The minister noted that currently, development in Bali Province is still regulated by Law Number 64 of 1958 on the establishment of Level I Regions in Bali, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB), and East Nusa Tenggara (NTT). Karnavian stressed that ideally, one law should be applied to regulate one province, and so, the bill was created. Through lawful recognition, the minister expects that Balinese local “Our success in breaking the chain of coronavirus spread wisdom will not be easily eroded by modernization or any central requires discipline and cooperation from everyone, not only the government policies that may conflict with the traditions of the local government, but also the public in heeding the instructions community. and suggestions from officials,” Rai Mantra said. Last week, a “The main wealth of Bali Province is not its nature but its extraordinary cultural arts that are constantly being regenerated,” he stated. nurse who tested positive for COVID-19 reportedly went home to Tabanan regency, prompting officials to trace her close contacts immediately.

Hence, he also encouraged the governor of Bali and all regional heads in the province to create governor’s or regional head’s regulations to preserve Balinese arts and culture. Through the regulations, the Balinese cultural conservation program and budget can be included in the state budget, so that the preservation program can be continued. Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster stated that his side is currently highlighting local cultures and traditions as the upstream sector of the development of Bali Province. “Balinese traditions include folk games, traditional sports, usada (traditional medicine), undagi (traditional architecture), and local culinary arts,” he stated. The Bali Arts Festival is being held from June 12 to July 10, 2022, with the theme of “Danu Kerthi: Huluning Amerta” that embodies the spirit of preserving water as a source of life. The event is also held concurrently with the Rising Balinese Small and Medium Industry (IKM) Exhibition coordinated by the Regional National Crafts Council (Dekranasda) of Bali Province. Implementation of the 44th Bali Arts Festival also coincides with the holding of the Bali World Cultural Celebrations (BWCC) on June 12-25, 2022, as well as the Bali Tradition ‘Jantra’ (Wheel) from June 20 to July 6, 2022.