Transportation Minister Inspects Health Protocols in Transportation Sector in Bali

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi inspects the preparedness of transportation facilities. (Photo by: Ministry of Transportation)

Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi inspects the implementation of health protocols at transportation facilities as an effort to support tourism sector in Bali.

During his visit to the Island on Sunday (2/8), the Minister met with Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster to discuss several issues, among others, the continuation of several transportation infrastructure projects, implementation of safe and healthy transportation during ‘adapting to new habits’ period, and the upcoming groundbreaking of ferry crossing seaport in Nusa Penida on 3 August to support tourism sector in Bali.

“We are all aware of a slump in tourism sector in Bali during the pandemic. This is the moment for Bali to recover and become a favorite destination for domestic and international tourists. Ministry of transportation will support the revival of tourism industry in Bali through the implementation of strict health protocols in public transportation. We must do this and remain vigilant to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” the Minister said in Bali on Sunday (2/8).

Under Regulation of Minister of Transportation Number 41 of 2020 and its derivative regulations, Budi asserted that the Ministry, public transport operators, and regional governments have committed to join hands in managing the transportation and create a safe and healthy trip for the people by implementing health protocols starting from the departure, during the trip, and until the arrival.

“The measures are taken so that the public can be more productive but still safe from the spread of COVID-19,” the Minister said.

In the meantime, Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster said that the Provincial Government of Bali has reopened public activities on 9 July. Afterwards, tourism sector was reopened to domestic tourist during ‘adapting to new habits’ period on 31 July. Bali will also gradually reopen tourism sector for international tourists in the future.

The Government ensured that the reopening of tourism industry in Bali will be coupled with strict implementation of health protocols by players in the tourism industry in Bali. They were considered ready to follow the health protocols. So far, tourism industry in Bali has been running well since the reopening.

Since Bali closed its border in April 2020, there was a significant decline in the traffic of aircrafts and passengers. Based on data from state-owned airport operator Angkasa Pura I at Ngurah Rai Airport, Bali, during April-June 2020, the traffic of aircrafts dropped by 90 percent or to 500-1,000 aircrafts per month from the previous 10,000 to 13,000 aircrafts.

During the same period, the number of passengers also decreased to 8,000-20,000 passengers per month or dropped by 95 to 99 percent compared to that of the same period last year which was at one to two million passengers per month.

However, the traffic of aircrafts and domestic tourists in Bali in July increased significantly compared to the figure in April-June 2020. Around 954 flights were recorded within a period of 1-25 July 2020; the figure increased from 416 flights during a period of 1-25 June 2020. In addition, the number of passengers also increased to 56,000 from the previous 14,000. (Ministry of Transportation/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana