Bali Airport Reopen Soon, a Breath of Fresh Air for Local Tourism
Bali Airport will soon open for International flights. The government decided to reopen international entrances in Bali. The opening of the Bali airport starts next Friday, February 4, 2022. The decision to allow I Gusti Ngurah Rai Airport to serve international flights was conveyed by Mr. Luhut Pandjaitan (Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment) yesterday. The Balinese undoubtedly greet this with joy because it has been more than two years since the island’s economy has been paralyzed due to Covid-19. This is also fresh air for tourism workers who have lost their jobs.
Luhut Pandjaitan also serves as Deputy Chair of the Committee for Handling the Covid-19 and Indonesian Economic Recovery. He explained that the opening of Bali was aimed at re-invigorating the Bali economy. It has already been quite affected by Covid-19 since two years ago.
Bali Airport Opening Plan
The opening of the entrance to Bali is only intended for foreign travelers who are not Indonesian migrant workers. “We will continue to do the opening in stages and continue,” he said.
It is not only for international tourists; the entry of Indonesians traveling abroad must also follow the applicable regulations. Luhut mentioned that Bali also provides two additional options for quarantine.
Additional Quarantine Options
The first additional option is bubble quarantine, starting in 5 hotels with 447 rooms first. Then the second other option is six ships live on board. Of course, the boat has a Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environment Sustainability (CHSE) certificate from the government.
The government had previously opened the entrance for foreign tourists to Bali. The Indonesian government opened international flights at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport on October 14, 2021.
But two months later, as of early December 2021, the government has again restricted entry to Indonesia. This applies to international passengers who are Indonesian citizens by air, sea, and land. This provision is regulated in the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs Number 65 of 2021.
Regarding the regulation, the entrance by air only uses three airports. The airports that can receive them are Soekarno-Hatta Airport in Banten, Raja Haji Fisabilillah in Riau, and Sam Ratulangi in North Sulawesi.
What is the Impact of the Opening of Bali Airport?
The reopening of Bali Airport for international guests will certainly change Bali’s economy. Hotels in Bali ranging from guesthouses to 5-stars will get this good change. Likewise, restaurants and other tourist attractions will also have this effect. So slowly, Bali will return to normal, and guests can enjoy a holiday on this island of the gods.