This archive report was first published on 24 August 2020.
As the global pandemic continues to spread, Bali has become the latest tourist destination to impose restrictions on foreign visitors. According to Governor I Wayan Koster, the island will not be reopening to international tourists for the remainder of 2020.
The decision comes after a plan to allow foreign tourists to return on September 11 was scrapped due to concerns over Indonesia's rising virus cases and travel bans in many countries. The Indonesian government has also yet to lift its ban on foreign tourists entering the country.
"The situation in Indonesia is not conducive to allow international tourists to visit Indonesia, including Bali," Governor Koster said in an official letter dated Saturday. "The central government supports (Bali's) plans to recover tourism by opening the doors for international tourists. However, this requires care, prudence, not to be rushed, and requires careful preparation," it added.
Bali has recorded 49 deaths and over 4,000 cases of coronavirus, with the volume of flights to and from the island plummeting during the pandemic. The island's tourism industry has been severely impacted, with hotels and restaurants struggling to survive.
"New cases are under control, the recovery rate is increasing and fatality rate is under control," Governor Koster said. Nationwide, Indonesia has seen at least 6,680 virus deaths with over 153,000 confirmed cases, but the real toll is widely believed to be hidden by limited testing.
