Indonesian Minister of Tourism in Bali to prepare for reopening

Indonesian-Minister-of-Tourism-in-Bali-to-prepare-for-reopening
Photo: Sigid Kurniawan

Lots have been said about Bali’s reopening for tourism over the last weeks, but little has actually happened. Until now. 

For the very first time, the central government of Indonesia has heard Bali’s authorities’ persistent claim about being ready to open their doors to the world again. 

The newly appointed Tourism Minister, Sandiaga Uno, has traveled to the Island to verify the logistic and biosafety conditions for Indonesia to finally reopen, at least, Bali.  

The Minister has reportedly spent considerable time and effort to evaluate airport regulations and hospital capacity, in particular.

Minister-of-Tourism-in-Bali-to-prepare-for-reopening
Photo: AP

Uno considers that the biggest challenge Bali faces is “to enforce all health and safety protocols as the island is considered as the main tourist destination for both domestic and international tourists” 

Taking these on board as part of the reopening plan can help the island to bounce back from the current economy crisis.

Bali’s authorities are not the single voice crying in the wilderness

Prestigious international organizations such as the World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), a United Nations specialized agency, states that Bali is ready to safely reopen to international tourists. 

The UNWTO, together with the Indonesia government have developed the Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environment Sustainability (CHCE) to ensure a prompt reopening.

But, is Bali really prepared for an onslaught of tourists? 

Bad news first. The CDC has ranked Indonesia as one the tourist destinations to avoid due to the high incidence of the coronavirus in the area.  

Good news is that Indonesia is a collection of 17,508 so not all of the islands are under the 4-level warning.

As of today, the country has 129, 241 active cases and 21,452 deaths. Nevertheless, Bali governor, I Wayan Koster, has recently thanked Bali’s citizens for their contribution to keep the pandemic curve and death toll under control.