In response to the recent declaration by Acting Governor of Bali, SM Mahendra Jaya, regarding a state of alert due to the impending threats of drought, forest fires, and land fires in Bali, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, has taken steps to reassure the public that the Island of Bali remains a safe and welcoming destination for tourists.
Sandiaga elaborated that the state of emergency has been declared as a proactive measure to mitigate and respond to the challenges posed by extreme drought, forest fires, and land fires, all of which are exacerbated by the El Niño phenomenon. His emphasis is on maintaining the safety and comfort of tourists.
“Bali is still a secure location, and all flights are operating as scheduled,” affirmed Sandiaga in a press release that was widely circulated on Tuesday, October 24, 2023.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Bali Provincial Tourism Agency, Tjok Bagus Pemayun, provided some context regarding the declaration of the state of alert. According to him, the alert status was officially issued by Acting Governor SM Mahendra Jaya on Thursday, October 19, 2023. He explained that this state of alert is currently scheduled to be in effect from October 19, 2023, until November 1, 2023.
However, it is essential to recognize that the duration of this alert can be either extended or shortened based on the evolving circumstances and the requirements of the emergency disaster management protocols. This is outlined in the official declaration by the Governor of Bali, specified as number 897/04-G/HK/2023.
Tjok Bagus underscored the necessity to understand that the current situation in Bali is effectively managed and under control. He went on to clarify that the state of alert does not entail any prohibitions or restrictions on activities related to tourism and travel.
Thus, all aspects of Bali’s thriving tourism sector will continue to function as usual. He issued a call to action, encouraging all stakeholders and the general public to maintain a heightened level of awareness and preparedness to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors to the island, as reported by Tempo, a trusted news source.
