Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and the Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, has lent his support to those calling for South Bali to implement a moratorium on the construction of new hotels and the cessation of converting agricultural lands into commercial uses.
As quoted by Detik.com, Sandiaga said on Monday, 02 September 2024: “The policy (on hotel construction and land conversion) that the government will soon finalize seeks to reduce the potential for congestion that will result in an unsafe and uncomfortable situation, especially in several destinations in Indonesia.”
Minister Sandiaga added that the new policies will soon address tourism accommodation, which fails to properly contemplate the need for sustainability. The Minister has not revealed the details of the new policies, which remain under review. Nonetheless, Sandiaga has promised that the details of the new policy will be completed in the coming few days and then discussed in a limited meeting with President Joko Widodo. Adding: “The decision will be taken together with President Widodo to formulate concrete steps to ensure Indonesian tourism remains high quality, provides entrepreneurial opportunities, and creates employment.”
Sandiaga said the new policy will be implemented in crowded tourist destinations and at risk of becoming boring. The Tourism Minister plans to carefully analyze South Bali to ascertain if there are specific characteristics and differences in Denpasar as compared to other regions such as Badung Regency, Gianyar Regency, and Tabanan Regency (Sarbagita). Sandiaga underlined that not all areas in South Bali are the same.
“We will focus on the Sarbagita region, but we must individualize the approach because not all parts of South Bali are the same; maybe Badung is different compared to Tabanan. Later, we will create individual approaches and formulas, “said Sandiaga.
Sandiaga defended that his new policy is consistent with current tourism arrival figures, which continue to increase annually. In 2024, 14 tourists are expected to travel to Indonesia. If the policy is eventually implemented, he will conduct an evaluation every three to six months.
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