An expert staff in crisis management for the Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Henky Hotma P. Manurung, has warned the foreign tourists visiting Bali but refusing to follow established health protocols face the real possibility of deportation.
Quoted by NusaBali.com and CNNIndonesia.com while on an online webinar, Hengky proclaimed: “Those who do not want to wear a mask will be deported.” The Tourism Minister consulting expert reminded foreign visitors of the consequences awaiting those who disregard health protocols.
According to CNNIndonesia.com, Bali Enforcement Officers (Satpol PP) apprehended 120 foreign tourists for disobeying health protocols.
Hengky explained that foreigners designated to be deported would be required to organize their own departure from Indonesia.
Manurung said that the health protocols now in place must become part of a “new culture” followed by local citizens and foreign visitors to answer the challenges posed by the continuing COVID-19 pandemic.
Deputy-Governor Tjok Oka Artha Ardhana Sukawati (Cok Ace) said Bali was prepared to receive foreign tourists. Nonetheless, these visitors must follow all arrival regulations, including undergoing an RT-PCR Test and a 5-day quarantine.
Describing the format for future tourism in Bali, Cok Ace said: “For tourist attractions like as Tanah Lot, if visitors are already vaccinated, the facility has CHSE Certification (Cleanliness, Health, Security, and Environmental Sustainability), and the PeduliLindungi Smart Phone Application is in use – then the attraction is truly ready (to welcome tourists).”
Once foreign tourists have completed the five-day quarantine period, they are free to explore the Island of the Gods. However, if COVID-19 is spreading in any tourism area, the Government of Bali will close that area as an infectious cluster.
Meanwhile, as of Thursday, 14 October 2021, there are no reports of foreign tourists arriving in Bali in response to the declared reopening of the Island to the citizens of 19 countries and the reduction of the mandatory quarantine period from 8 to 5 days. On the most basic level, the lack of foreign visitors is linked to the lack of any direct international flights landing at Bali’s airport.
A spokesperson for the Bali Chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI-Bali) blames the mandatory quarantine as being to blame for Bali’s lack of foreign visitors.
Related Links
Foreigners Disobeying Bali’s COVID Rules
Crackdown on Scofflaw Foreigners Underway
Scofflaw Tourists in Bali Face Deportation