'Can We Go to Bali in Autumn?'... Indonesia Considers Allowing Foreign Tourists from September

Australia Accelerates Preparations to Attract Chinese Tourists

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Jakarta Correspondent Sujin Choi] Bali Island, Indonesia's representative resort destination, is expected to reopen to international tourists. Following the Bali provincial government's active discussions on travel bubbles (easing entry restrictions) with major countries, the Indonesian central government is also reviewing the matter positively.

According to local media such as The Jakarta Post on the 18th, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, recently stated that Indonesia is not rushing to allow foreign entry but is "considering allowing foreign arrivals from September 11." Earlier, the Bali provincial government permitted domestic travelers to visit Bali starting from the 31st of last month.

The Indonesian government's positive consideration of attracting tourists is due to the significant role tourism plays in Indonesia's economy and the assessment that COVID-19 is under control. He emphasized that among Indonesia's population of 280 million, there are about 130,000 confirmed cases, which is a relatively low level compared to the United States.

With the Indonesian government positively reviewing the reopening of Bali Island, preparations to attract tourists from Australia and China are expected to accelerate.

Minister Luhut said at the Jakarta Foreign Correspondents Club Forum earlier this month, "I understand that Australia is responding to travel bubble discussions with Indonesia," adding, "Australians especially love Bali." He also emphasized that they will actively pursue tourism opening agreements with China. Furthermore, he mentioned that tourists entering Bali must strictly comply with quarantine and carry health certificates, and that travel bubbles will also be established with New Zealand, South Korea, and Japan.

However, it remains uncertain whether the Australian government will accept Indonesia's decision. Simon Birmingham, Australia's Minister for Tourism, responded cautiously to the possibility of a travel bubble agreement with Indonesia, stating, "Premature decisions are not advisable."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.