The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia is preparing for the implementation of a recovery plan in the tourism industry, with Bali as the first destination assigned as a locomotive for the whole country. Preparations have been undertaken in a mindful and attentive manner, in order to make sure that future visitors will have a smooth visit when they return to Bali.
One of the most important factors highlighted in the preparation is the strict implementation of health protocols, a variety of which are being rigorously implemented in Bali, especially in three green zones assigned by the government: Ubud, Sanur, and Nusa Dua.
INDONESIA CARE MOVEMENT
Since 2020, The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has been running a movement called InDOnesia CARE, which serves to promote the value of Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) in Indonesian tourism destinations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Through this movement, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy provides guidance and supervision regarding the implementation of health protocols in tourism-related businesses.
It is reported that approximately 1,006 tourism stakeholders in Bali have currently been granted InDOnesia CARE certification by the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. An additional 855 more businesses are targeted to receive this certification by the end of 2021. The list includes hotels and non-hotels, including restaurants, homestay villas, nature tourism sites, shopping centers, transportation services, and diving tours. Certification means they have met the required standard for protocol implementation.
Alongside the InDOnesia CARE movement, the Government’s COVID-19 Task Force is also taking part in the guidance and supervision of health protocol implementation in tourism-related businesses, including in Bali.
SAFE TRAVEL STAMP BY THE WORLD TRAVEL AND TOURISM COUNCIL
Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali has become one of 15 airports in Indonesia to be granted a Safe Travels Stamp by the World Travel & Tourism Council, since August 2020. This stamp was obtained after Angkasa Pura I, the state-owned company managing the airports in Indonesia, sent details of airport health protocols to the agency for complete assessment. According to the Director of Angkasa Pura I, Fahmi Faik, the Safe Travels Stamp shows the public and tourism stakeholders that Angkasa Pura I has consistently implemented health protocols related to preventing the spread of COVID-19, in line with Safe Travels WTTC and ICAO Takeoff Guidelines for Aviation protocol.
GOVERNOR’S DECREE
On 4 April 2021, Bali Governor Wayan Koster issued Governor’s Decree No. 10, 2021, regarding the Application of Discipline and Law Enforcement of COVID-19 Health Protocol in Bali. The decree imposes strict regulations, not only for locals, but also for international travelers visiting Bali in the future. Key requirements mentioned include the obligation to wear a mask in public places, maintaining social distancing of at least one-meter, and washing hands or using hand sanitizer frequently.
The decree also states that the Bali government will assemble a COVID-19 monitoring and enforcement team, consisting of a Provincial Civil Service Police Unit and may involve the Traditional Village Mutual Cooperation Task Force (pecalang), Police, and/or TNI. This team will execute patrol and control operations to take action against individuals or tourism businesses who violate health protocols. The sanctions consist of:
Individual (international traveler)
a) Pay an administrative fine of IDR 1,000,000 (one million rupiah) if the person concerned commits a violation for the first time; and
b) Deportation if the person concerned commits a second violation.
Tourism Businesses
a) Pay an administrative fine of IDR 1,000,000 (one million rupiah) for not providing a means of preventing COVID-19;
b) Published in the mass media as Business Actors, Managers, Operators or Person in Charge of Public Places and Facilities that do not comply with Health Protocols; and/or
c) Recommendation for temporary suspension of business licenses to authorized officials/agencies.
STATEMENT FROM THE MINISTER OF TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY
While visiting the Sanur Beach area of Denpasar on Saturday, 10 April 2021, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that COVID-19 prevention health protocols will be strictly implemented in the green zones in the Bali region. "We have to extensively monitor people's compliance with health protocols." said Sandiaga Uno.
He said that the Ministry will also intensify socialization and education to all people, especially those in the green zone, to continue to comply with health protocols in order to continue to suppress the Covid-19 infection rate. "There will be sanctions for those who commit violations. Regarding international travelers, we won't hesitate to deport them if they refuse to comply with health protocols," he said.
The safety and wellbeing of international travelers visiting Bali is key to tourism recovery preparation, and will remain the number one priority. The strict measures being implemented are solid proof that InDOnesia CAREs for the comfortable return of visitors to Bali.
