Bali Tourism Board

The Indonesian Ministry for Tourism and the Creative Economy is expanding and socializing its protocols for Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and the Environment (CHSE) for use by Indonesia’s diving and snorkeling industry.

The Ministry of Tourism has socialized  CHSE standards for the diving and snorkeling sector on Tuesday, 06 October 2020, that are now shared on the Ministry’s Youtube channel.

To complement the specialized training, the Tourism Ministry has also prepared a 37-page guide, presented in Indonesian and English.

The publication provides general guidelines on CHSE for people participating in diving and snorkeling activities. Recommendations on not sharing diving equipment, maintaining physical distance, and other safe practice is presented.

1. Dive industry operators and customers are reminded to ensure they are medical healthy before undertaking water sports. This advice takes effect before diving and includes, first and foremost, only boarding a flight to a diving destination if the traveler is healthy.
2. Everyone should use Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) – at a minimum facial masks or face shields.
3. Practice physical distancing by maintaining at least one-meter of open space. This distance has been reduced from the previously recommended two-meters, which, according to operators, was not practical for use in the field. Physical distancing efforts can be enhanced by limiting the number of participants in a diving group, configuring distanced seating on dive boats, and staggering diving schedules.
4. All water sports operators must provide a sufficient number of handwashing stations and hand sanitizers for use by both staff and guests.
5. All equipment used in providing diving and snorkeling activities must be disinfected at least three times a day, and before and after each new cycle of use.
6. Take the necessary steps to maintain high-quality air in all places used by staff and customers. Open areas exposed to breezes and sunlight are preferred. Places equipped with air conditioning should ensure that the air conditioning systems’ filters are cleaned on a routine basis.
7. All those undertaking diving and snorkeling activities must complete a Diver’s Medical Clearance based on the Divers Alert Network (DAN) guidelines or those of a similar agency. An additional “risk-assessment survey” provided by the Indonesian Ministry of Health should be completed before engaging in diving activities.
8. Tourists traveling on live-aboard vessels are required to bring a current certificate verifying a “negative” result for the coronavirus proven by a Rapid Test or PCT Swab Test. Divers following land-based dive expeditions are only required to undergo a body temperature check before a diving or snorkeling activity.
9. Live-aboard operators are directed to limit the number of guests carried on their vessels to enhance physical distancing.
10. Regular temperature checks should be undertaken to ensure that no member of staff or client’s temperatures exceed 37.3 degrees Celsius. Anyone registering a temperature over 37.3 degrees Celsius in two consecutive tests performed 5 minutes apart should be refused entry/access and sent to a nearby medical facility.
11. Individuals with temperatures below 37.3 Celsius but manifesting symptoms consistent with a respiratory or COVID-19 infection must be refused entry and referred to a nearby medical facility.
12. Workers confirmed to be infected or suspected of suffering from  COVID-19 must self-isolate until a doctor confirms that they are again free of the virus.
13. Dive operators should follow the established guidelines to a clean and healthy lifestyle that includes consuming a nutritious diet, 30 minutes of physical activity each day, and a minimum of 7-hours of sleep each day.
14. Dive operation management must provide information and training to all employees on cleanliness, hygiene, health, and safety. Regular audits must be made to ensure that the CHSE protocols are in place and being rigorously followed.
15. Dive operators are required to supply closed trash receptacles for the disposal of Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) and other trash that might serve as a medium for transmitting thecoronavirus. The final disposal of all trash and wastewater must be done safely.

From Bali Discovery

While the term “Sultan” is a term usually reserved for the sovereign of a kingdom, it is also the name for a new luxury bus service connecting Denpasar – Malang-Batu-Ngantang-Kandangan-Pare-Kediri. Using the latest generation of Mercedes Benz Bus, the “Sultan Class” busses operated by Bali Transporation Operator MTrans truly redefines luxury overland transport in Bali.

Maximizing physical distancing with luxurious reclining seats are only three across with an aisle on each side of the middle seat. The seats recline and are extra-wide. The full-sized bus has seating for only 23 passengers because of the generous use of space when a bus of this size with standard seat configuration might accommodate 45 seats.

Armrests, wide-seating, and reclining headrests are supplemented in each seat with connections suitable for recharging electronic devices.

Visiting some of the most scenic spots on the roads less traveled between Bali and Kediri, East Java, the entire trip is attractively priced at only Rp. 250,000 one-way. The price includes a blanket, pillow, mineral water, lunch, snack, and dinner. Announcements to passengers are made through sound and screen links located on the back of each seat.

From BALI DISCOVERY

Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism and the Creative Economy chose The Bali Safari and Marine Park for the launch of its new “We Love Bali” program on Wednesday, 14 October 2020. The program is intended to educate the public while popularizing the Ministry’s Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and Environmental (CHSE) guidelines to facilitate tourism in the new era of pandemic travel.

Commenting on the launch, Tourism Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio said: “In my observations, beginning from the ticket lockets until the operation of all its facilities, Bali Safari has successfully implemented all the health protocols. This is important to persuade visitors that this destination is safe from the spread of COVID-19.”

In response, the General Manager of Bali Safari, Thomas Colbert, restated the seriousness with which Bali Safari approaches the requirement to keep the Park safe as a recreational destination during the current global pandemic. “The launch of the ‘We Love Bali’ programs at Bali Safari is very important because it demonstrates that Bali is a destination that is both safe and comfortable,” said Colbert.

Colbert recounted how the Bali Safari Park closed its gates from 27 March until 09 July 2020 during the official lockdown period to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During the shutdown, every aspect of the Park’s operation was examined to optimize future visitors and guests’ safety and welfare. Because of the Park’s ‘start-to-finish dedication’ to CHSE procedures, they were among the first public places reopened to the public and is now used as an example to other Island operators.

The launch of the “We Love Bali” programs at the Bali Safari Park on Wednesday also included the attendance of many Indonesian celebrities, including Ayu Laksmi and Happy Salma.

Bali Safari embraces the Indonesian mantra to “Love Mother Earth as you love your mother.”  As a result, the Park is a living laboratory reflecting the Balinese tenets of “Tri Hita Karana” that mandates a careful balance between humanity and God; humanity and the natural environment; and all fellow members of the human race.

From Bali Discovery

NusaBali provides insights on how badly some segments of Bali’s Water Sports Sector have been hit over the past nine months by the COVID-19 Pandemic.

One surfing instructor on Kuta Beach, Ewaldus Somba (24), complained he had been incredibly hard hit by the business downturn precipitated by the COVID-19 Pandemic. Because foreign tourists overwhelmingly comprise his market of those wishing to learn how to surf, the continuing absence of foreign visitors to the Island has virtually eliminated any cash flow for his enterprise.

“Talk about impact? Certainly, we have been greatly affected. What’s more, most of those using our service on Kuta Beach were foreigners. Now, no foreign tourists are coming to Bali. The few foreigners you see are ex-pats living here, said Somba on Friday, 31 October 2020.

Somba, who is originally from Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, said that before the Pandemic, he could net some Rp. 800,000 each day from renting surfboards. In the current condition, it is not guaranteed that he will earn even Rp. 50,000 in a single day of business. On many days, he returns home with no earnings at all.

“Before COVID-19, I usually taught foreign tourists how to surf. In addition to renting a surfboard, I also worked as a surfing instructor. I could earn Rp. 200,000 every two hours. Now, I am lucky even to earn Rp. 50,000, said Ewaldus, who has worked on Kuta Beach for the past three years.

Ewaldus said he is still fortunate to be able to rent surfing boards to domestic customers. The government of Bali is allowing limited activity by surfing operators in Bali.

Ewaldus said, ” fellow instructors and I have all felt the impact of the COVID-19 crisis. Anyone who lives from tourism is suffering. We all hope that the economy will soon recover, and we can resume our regular business.”

From Bali Discovery

More than just a Festival, KEMBALI 2020: A Rebuild Bali Festival (KEMBALI20) is aimed at boosting Indonesia’s creative industries of literature, art, and gastronomy to give a voice to Bali’s young entrepreneurs while embracing extraordinary international talent.

The Foundation then took the best of the two Festivals and reimagined these elements into a new, interactive, digital celebration of literature, arts, culinary, and culture.

After engineering the full lineup and over 60 digital programs, KEMBALI20 is launching a series of free events, including Teater Kuliner cooking challenges, Music & Arts performances, and Film Screenings.

The free events are accessible on the Festival’s official website and Youtube channel. 

For Music & Arts, KEMBALI20 presents the Annual Poetry Slam, one of UWRF’s most sizzling events in a digital format. Collaborating with Bali’s only dedicated poetry slam collective, Unspoken, this event is set to be a Festival highlight. After the passing of the late, great Sapardi Djoko Damono, Balinese dancer Dewa Ayu Eka Putri will also show a touching tribute to the legendary figure in Indonesian literature.

Indonesian rock star Kaka Slank has also accepted the virtual cooking challenge from leading Indonesian Chef Aga Alvian. They each will whip up their versions of a vegan burger.

The Film Screenings allows the audiences the opportunity to interact directly with filmmakers, producers, and authors. The Festival is screening an exclusive premiere of Our Mothers’ Land, a documentary that follows journalist Febriana Firdaus’ journey in highlighting women in Indonesia. She examines the lives of women who have risen to lead social movements while facing violence, imprisonment, and judgment from conservative societies as they fight for their rights.

Determined to document and celebrate Balinese’s resilience and adaptation during the pandemic, the Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati team set out with local filmmaker Wayan Martino to collect stories from farms learning centers, and home industries. During the Festival, enjoy five inspiring Stories from the Field, a chance for the global audience to see more to Bali than just beaches and rice paddies.

The audience is invited to explore an eco-house in Bengkala village, the Pedawa Village in North Bali. Bengkala is known for its palm sugar and local mythology, efforts to involve the local community in vanilla farming, its coffee trade, and the sacred nature with which locals regard traditional Balinese cuisine.

“We are proud to present the Stories from the Field series – an honest and beautiful portrayal of Balinese culture and people,” said Janet DeNeefe. Adding: “From our very first year, all of our initiatives are dedicated to our community, and we hope to do the same this year. KEMBALI20 aims to help fulfill Indonesia’s creative needs while showcasing its cultural diversity to the world.”

Kembali 2020: A Rebuild Bali Festival will be held from 29 October to 8 November 2020 in a digital and on-the-ground format, accessible to all through its donation-based sessions.

From Bali Discovery

Politeia.id has published a news report, perhaps suggesting subtle resistance by giant reptiles to the ongoing creation of the “Jurassic Park Project” on Rinca Island located within the Komodo National Park. 

In an image published on social media, a giant Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) is seen blocking a truck involved in developing the Jurassic Park Project. The picture was published on the Twitter account of “Save Komodo Now” @KawanBaikKomodo on Friday, 24 October 2020, and received over a thousand retweets and more than 800 likes.

The largest surviving species of prehistoric lizards, the Komodo monitor lizard is endemic to the Island of Komodo, Rinca Island, Flores Island, and Gili Montang in the Indonesian province of East Nusa Tenggara, where it grows to a maximum length of 3-meters and weigh as much as 70 kilograms.

The posting, quoted by Politeia.id, is from a group who are outspokenly opposed plans to develop the Komodo National Park, who uploaded the picture of the truck in a stand-off with a dragon and an accompanying message on social media saying: “Sad! Komodo is facing a Jurassic Tourism building project truck on Rinca Island. The first time the Komodo Dragons have heard an engine’s sound and smell of exhaust smoke. What will the impact of these projects look like in the future? Does anyone care about conservation?”

The Jurassic Park Project on Rinca Island will create viewing areas covering 1.3 hectares on Rinca Island, one of the three largest islands within the Komodo National Park.

Rinca Island covers a total area of 198 square meters.

The enhancement of The Komodo National Park and the adjoining Regency of West Manggarai on Flores Island with infrastructure improvements are part of a program launched by the Government in 2019. The program is championed by President Joko Widodo and the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment to boost national tourism.

Minister Luhut has described the building project on Rinca Island as hosting a research center that aspires to improve the local populace’s welfare.

An animated film uploaded to Instagram by Fania Hafila, the architect in charge of the “Wisata Jurassic Indonesia Project,” shows the basic design for the Rinca viewing platform facility complemented by the musical score by John Williams for the Hollywood blockbuster “Jurassic Park.” The closing moment of the video shows the logo of Indonesia’s Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing who are undertaking the construction.

However, the Komodo Dragon Viewing Area’s opening on Rinca Island may present a more practical and problematic obstacle, perhaps not contemplated by planners. Well-informed conservationists generally agree that the baiting or feeding of the Komodo Dragons to bring them into view of visiting tourists is damaging to the reptiles’ natural predatory instincts. Because of this, conservationists in charge at Komodo long ago outlawed baited feeding of the dragons in favor of walking tours of the natural habitat in the hope of coincidental spotting the reptiles.

Because of this, questions are being raised by critics of the Jurassic Park Project on Rinca Island, asking how free-roaming dragons will be lured to the viewing area without resorting to the condemned practice of baiting the dragons.

The Tourism Rescue Community Forum (Formapp) is opposed to the Rinca project, claiming the concrete constructed information center and viewing deck is at odds with the Komodo Dragon’s natural habitat and The Komodo National Park’s designation as a national conservation area.

Formapp member, Venan Haryanto, expressed concerns that drilling water wells as part of the Rinca Island Project will deplete limited precious water sources on arid Rinca Island.

Shana Fatina, a Director of the Labuan Bajo Authority, has defended the Pulau Rinca Jurassic Park Project’s construction, claiming that the structures and the access roads used in its construction are located on lands zoned for public use. Shana also insists that the facility’s planning included a detailed environmental impact assessment and input from the Ministry of the Environment and Forestry together with UNESCO.

But still unclear is how the dragons will be coaxed to visit the 4,000-square-meters tourist information center and viewing deck without reverting to controversial feeding and baiting practices.

Shana, who once headed a government-endorsed halal tourism project in Labuan Bajo, explains that the Rinca Island Project is intended to enhance its tourist carrying capacity. The Government’s vision is to utilize Rinca Island as the closest point to the population center of Labuan Bajo for the general public to view the Komodo Dragons.

The other and more remote main islands of the Park – Komodo Island and Pandar Island will be reserved exclusively for tourists paying a special membership fee.

From Bali Discovery

Bali Water Sports operators on the Tanjung Benoa Penninsula show faint signs of renewed life following Bali’s reopening to domestic tourism on 31 July 2020.

Putu Agus Sanjaya, a water sports operator on Tanjung Benoa, told detik.com and The State News Agency Antara on Saturday, 31 August 2020, a wide range of health protocols are now in operation for all water sports operators, including hand sanitizing and the routine disinfecting of all sports equipment.

He also revealed that some sports equipment has fallen into disrepair during the pandemic’s prolonged shut-down, meaning that some sports options remain temporarily unavailable until repairs can be undertaken.

“Before the pandemic, the daily income for watersports on the entire Penninsula was between Rp. 100 million to Rp. 150 million, but now totals only around Rp. 50 million for an entire month. That money is being diverted to pay for repairs of speed boats and other equipment. In any case, the equipment we use is subjected to the ocean and must be quickly maintained and serviced,” said Sanjaya.

Last year before the pandemic, domestic and international tourists flocked to Tanjung Benoa. Until March of 2020, the Beach was filled with visitors from China, Europe, India, the Middle East, and domestic tourists.

The business downturn has necessitated the furlough of many water sports workers now sitting at home, hoping for business to improve. A typical work complement of 70 workers has been reduced by 70% from among the 23 separate water sports operators based on the peninsula.

From the Bali “X-files.”

In the Balinese Village of Bayung Gede in Kintamani District near Bangli, the local residents have a time-honored tradition of suspending a newborn’s placenta from the trees standing in a nearby cemetery. ‘Ari Ari” is the Indonesian language equivalent of afterbirth or placenta, and the cemetery or “Setra” used for this cultural tradition is called the “Setra Ari Ari.”

This ritual, known as “Ari-Ari Mengantung” or “Hanging Placenta,” was recently honored by Indonesia’s Ministry of Education and Culture by being included in October 2020 among the Republic’s catalog of Intangible Cultural Heritage items (WBTB).

As suggested by its name, this unique local practice entails hanging the placenta of a newborn child encased in an empty coconut shell in the Kayu Bungkak trees found at the village cemetery.

As reported by NusaBali, the local belief is that hanging the placenta of a newborn in the graveyard imparts magical protection on the associated child from illness and other misfortunes.

The cemetery with hundreds of hanging coconuts is a regular stop for visitors to the Village of Bayung Gede and the surrounding areas.

The head of traditions and culture at the Bangli’s Tourism and Cultural Department, Putu Candra Rahadi, explained how the elevation of the “Hanging Placenta” tradition to the list of Intangible Cultural Heritage items took place after a lengthy nomination and approval basis.

Following the “hanging placenta” tradition’s nomination by Bangli’s Tourism and Culture Department, a period of investigation, verification, and assessment followed. The final “hearing” before confirmation of WBTB status was held on 29 September 2020.

In granting the Intangible Cultural Heritage Designation on the Hanging Placenta Cemetery, the Indonesian Government seeks the support and commitment of the surrounding community to preserve and protect this sacred tradition.

From Bali Duscovery

The 2020 digitalized version of The Ubud Writers and Readers Festival (UWRF) – ‘Kembali 2020: A Rebuild Bali Festival (KEMBALI20) will take place “globally” from a virtual headquarter in Ubud, Bali, 29 October until 08 November 2020.

KEMBALI20 will host 100 storytellers and culinary figures who will digitally join intimate discussions and powerful performances from 29 October – 8 November from their respective locations worldwide.

Founded by Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati – an independent, not-for-profit foundation in Ubud, Bali – KEMBALI20 is an online celebration of literature, food, and culture. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Yayasan Mudra Swari Saraswati took the reluctant decision to transform its annual Ubud Writers & Readers Festival (UWRF) and Ubud Food Festival (UFF) by creating KEMBALI20 in a digital format as a way to continually support Indonesia’s creative and culinary industries during these challenging times.

From Oakland to Oxford, Singapore to Sydney, Denpasar to Dubai, the full lineup of speakers testifies to the Festival’s cultural diversity. Through international digital links and face-to-face conversations in Bali – panel discussions, music and arts performances, cooking demos, and workshops -speakers will share their stories and enticing recipes.

“Bringing together some of the world’s most powerful voices in a melting pot of artists, authors, activists, entrepreneurs, performers, chefs, and culinary experts, KEMBALI20 is a platform for meaningful exchange and cross-cultural dialogue,” commented KEMBALI20 Founder and Director Janet DeNeefe. “A place where artists and audiences alike can discuss shared inspirations, ideas, and concerns, our Festival transcends cultural and geographical borders to create a truly global community.”

Combining the best of two world-renowned international events – UWRF and UFF, KEMBALI20 will launch a “new era” hub for creativity, culture, food, literature, and ideas.

Along with the speakers’ lineup, the Festival sill also host an impressive list of main program sessions, workshops, and book launches. The Festival proudly welcomes Kevin Kwan, listed among Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World in 2018 and author of the international bestselling Crazy Rich Asians trilogy. He will discuss his future projects, including his latest novel, an instant New York Times Bestseller – Sex and Vanity.

Participating in discussing her latest book, Everything Inside, which won The National Book Critics Circle Award for Best Fiction 2019, Haitian-American writer Edwidge Danticat will reflect on her work and life.

Joining the Festival’s extraordinary lineup is Barack Obama’s sister Maya SoetoroNg, the author of the highly-acclaimed children’s book Ladder to the Moon. She will discuss the significance of stories and arts for peacebuilding.

Also appearing on the Festival’s digital program is Richard Fidler, one of Australia’s most-loved voices and host of the Australian Broadcasting Commission’s most popular podcast, Conversations.

Presenting Indonesian literature to the world will be Eka Kurniawan, the first Indonesian writer nominated for a Man Booker International Award. His session is supported by Writing WA. He’ll appear alongside one of Indonesia’s best-loved authors Dee Lestari, who will be part of an “in conversation session” and a culinary event.

One of the headliners for the Festival’s “culinary conversations” is Dr. Fenny Dwivany, a significant figure among Indonesian women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics). Her research into bananas with her team – The Banana Group, has broken barriers in female leadership in STEM.

Intrepid journalist Adam Leith Gollner, author of The Fruit Hunters, will take listeners on a fascinating expedition into discovering some of the earth’s most desired fruits in locations from the wild jungles of Borneo to the orchards of Florida.

For foodies everywhere, joining KEMBALI20 cooking demos and culinary events are Chris Salans, one of Bali’s top culinary ambassadors with his pioneering French cuisine-meets-Balinese flavors; Co-founder of Pengalaman Rasa and advocate for Northen Balinese cuisines Ayu Gayatri Kresna; and international food journalist James Oseland with his highly acclaimed cookbook Cradle of Flavor.

Details of the program are available via the Festival Website www.UbudWritersFestival.com.

While the workshops are donation-based, the Festival’s digital Book Launches are free and accessible to all on its website and YouTube channel.

KEMBALI20 is a free and donation-based Festival with over 70 sessions available in a digital format, both pre-recorded and live-streamed, and via limited on the ground sessions for local audiences.

Janet DeNeefe added: “We want to stimulate the island’s economy and tourism sector since Bali is Indonesia’s hardest-hit region, but safety is and always will be our first priority. Join us to celebrate Indonesian cultural heritage and contemporary culture while rekindling hope and inspiration in extraordinary new ways with KEMBALI.”

From BALI DISCOVERY

In response to the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases in Bali, Governor Wayan Koster has limited visits to tourist attractions and public gathering points in Bali to help thwart the coronavirus’s spread and avoid the creation of new clusters of infection.

As reported by Detik.com, Bali’s Governor has not only limited visitations to tourism spots but also other areas where groups of citizens tend to congregate. As a result, several public parks in Bali’s capital of Denpasar have been closed. Among the parks now closed are Lapangan Renon and Lapangan Puputan.

“Yes, we have limited (visitors) to tourism areas and public gathering points because these places apparently are where new infection clusters start. All public facilities, such as Lapangan Renon and Puputan I have asked be temporarily closed,” commented Governor Koster on Tuesday, 15 September 2020.

The Governor confirmed that access and the number of visitors allowed on Bali’s beached would also be controlled until infection rates subside. Despite these restrictions, the Island remains open to domestic tourism.

On Tuesday, 15 September 2020, Bali’s Province added 68 new cases of COVID-19, bringing the total number of infections to date to 7,380. Five new deaths linked to the coronavirus were recorded on that same date.

From Bali Discovery

Kompas.com and the Central Statistics Bureau (BPS) report that Indonesian hotel occupancies nationwide began to show subtle rejuvenation signs starting from August 2020.

The BPS Chief said the August figure demonstrates a month-to-month improvement in average occupancy.

Location, Location Location

The average occupancy rates of hotels across Indonesia are vastly different, depending on the location. Destinations that, before the pandemic, relied mostly on foreign arrivals continue to record very low occupancy rates. Meanwhile, hotels that generated business from domestic sources are in a modest business comeback and experiencing somewhat stronger occupancies.

Here’s a sampling of average occupancy rates for starred hotels nation wide in September 2020:

• Bali 3.68%
• Aceh 14.44%
• Maluka Utara 16.40%
• Riau 19.31%
• Bangka Belitung 23.23%
• NTB 27.05%
• Sulawesi Tenggara 28.76%
• Central Java 28.92%
• Papua 28.97%
• NTT 29.11%
• North Sumatra 29.38%
• West Sulawesi 30.86%
• East Java 34.17%
• Gorontalo 35.31%
• Banten 36.05%
• DKI Jakarta 36.18%
• Central Kalimantan 37.29%
• Jambi 37.81%
• Papua Barat 38.76%
• East Kalimantan 39.10%
• West Sumatra 39.36%
• Yogyakarta 39.86%
• West Kalimantan 39.89%
• North Sulawesi 40.05%
• West Java 40.82%
• Central Sulawesi 41.35%
• Bengkulu 41.40%
• South Sumatra 42.10%
• Maluku 42.29%
• North Kalimantan 44.35%
• Lampung 48.71%
• South Sulawesi 46.81%
• South Kalimantan 45.80%

From Bali Discovery