Indonesian Government forced to further delay Bali tourism reopening

The Indonesian Government has abandoned its immediate plans to reopen Bali to foreign tourists until COVID-19 cases have decreased significantly.

In an interview with Reuters last week, Indonesia's Minister for Tourism and the Cultural Economy, Sandiaga Uno announced the further delay, stating “we were targeting the end of July, beginning of August, but we just have to be mindful of where we are in this recent spike (in Coronavirus cases).

"We will be waiting for the situation to be more conducive."

Coronavirus infections have risen dramatically in Indonesia in recent weeks, including in Bali, where there has been a four-fold increase in the past month, albeit from a low base, to around 200 cases per day, according to official data.

Minister Uno stated that he hoped to reduce Bali's daily Coronavirus infections to 30 or 40 before reopening.

According to data released by the World Health Organization, the true extent of Bali's infections is obscured by its low testing rates, which stand at 15% of the minimum recommended by the WHO.

Minister Uno advised that the Indonesian Government prioritised vaccinations in Bali and was seeing good early results because most people infected with coronavirus had only mild symptoms.

While hospital bed occupancy rates in many parts of the neighbouring, densely populated island of Java approached 100%, he said the rate in Bali was less than 50%.

Minister Uno estimated that 71% of Balinese residents had received their first vaccine dose and that the target of full vaccination for 70% of the population could be met by the end of July.

Domestic visitors to Bali will now be required to undergo a PCR test before entering the island, as part of an effort to protect the island from the pandemic.

In addition to traditional tourists, Bali hopes to attract 'digital nomads,' or international entrepreneurs who run internet-based businesses.

Explaining that under the proposed scheme, they will be granted five-year visas, Minister Uno added “if they earn an income within Indonesia, they will be taxed, but if they earn income solely from abroad, there will be no tax.

The Coronavirus pandemic has devastated the economy of Bali, which has long drawn tourists due to its spectacular beaches, food, vibrant nightlife, and distinct Hindu culture.

In early June, Indonesian President Joko Widodo said the nation’s borders would be partially reopened in July, with the destinations of Bali, Batam and Bintan to become “locomotive regions” that would revive the nation's tourism economy.