Is Bali going to open soon? The month of June comes with exciting promises, new opportunities and a gush of positive energy as the island enters in what is now called the new normal. And still, the date things will ease up and potentially get back to normal, no one knows.
Now that the situation is mostly under control, with 490 cases and 349 recoveries from Bali’s 4.2 million population, getting Bali back to business has been a priority and a hot topic as first half of the year comes to an end.
Eager to accelerate the economy on the island, the first order of business is to re-open the beaches, especially in the bustling south of Bali. On June 3, a few beaches in Seminyak, Canggu and Uluwatu have been made accessible to local tourists, residents, and surfers, with the local police roaming to assure social distancing, and to check on temperature.
“The Bali government has managed the situation relatively well. We expect Bali will be ready to open for business in July. However, new health protocols must be followed when opening economic activities," Minister of National Development Suharso Monoarfa has said during a recent COVID-19 press briefing.
With strict health measures in Bali in place, as well as a controlled number of transmission evident on the island, the next step to re-open Bali comes as we enter the new normal. Restaurants, hotels, resorts, gyms and spas that are currently open for business comply with the government regulations of curfew and sanitation.
Meanwhile, those businesses who decided to temporarily close during the COVID-19 outbreak, are now in the planning and preparation stages to resume operations. Businesses, particularly in the hospitality and recreational sectors are setting up proper Standard Operating Procedures in compliance of the new normal.
At this time, the local government in Bali continues to impose a curfew, prompting businesses to close by 9:00 PM. They also prevent large gatherings, monitor quarantine orders and make sure people follow the COVID-19 protocols such as wearing masks, and washing their hands frequently. Visitors are screened when they enter villages, establishments and public places.
In summary, we see light at the end of the tunnel as the island is preparing to open up its doors to its tourists and investors, as well as sustain the livelihood of its people by supporting businesses by setting up health protocols in place.
Domestic and International flights
Although the flight situation in Bali is still limited, things are looking to change soon for international and domestic travel. The Indonesian Ministry of Transport projected that Bali could welcome international visitors by October of this year, although no particular date has been set yet.
To accelerate the re-opening of domestic and international travel in Indonesia and in Bali as the top tourist destination of the country, The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has prepared strategies and protocols that will be in line with the new normal.
"To reopen the tourism sector, we need to apply standard procedures in public facilities that are aimed at disciplining the public to adhere to health protocols in the sector," the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy has said.
The main focus of such travel protocols includes hygiene, health, and safety in conducting businesses. The national government are ready to welcome the new normal through the implementing such protocols with focus on the three aspects for all transportation services on land, at sea, and in air.
As of date, Indonesia is not issuing social or tourist visas, however domestic travel is ongoing in and out of the island to the country’s capital, Jakarta. All domestic airlines require an entry permit for passengers wanting to fly around Indonesia. A 14-day quarantine is required if travelers have no entry permit to their desired destination.
Summary of Current Travel and Immigration Requirements
- No new tourist or social visit visas are being issued to any foreigner arriving in Indonesia.
- Foreigners with KITAS/KITAP visas may enter Indonesia with the following documents:
- Visitors currently in the country have special emergency visas that will last until the formal State of Emergency declared by the President on April 13 is declared ended.
- All arrivals in Bali must carry a negative PCR test result issued within 7 days of arrival.
- Departing passengers from Bali must have a negative PCR test issued within 7 days of departure, or a Rapid Test result within 3 days of departure.
- DKI Jakarta provincial government will require people who want to exit or enter the capital to show an admission permit (SIKM) starting 22nd May.
By Siti Purba Harcourts Purba Canggu
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