TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno planned to reopen Bali, particularly tourist destinations in Ubud and Nusa Dua, for international tourists under the travel bubble scheme.

“We have just finished a coordination meeting with the Foreign Affairs Ministry Sec-Gen and several ambassadors to countries who are major tourist markets, such as in Europe, Middle East, Asia, and Australia,” said Sandiaga on Wednesday, March 3, 2021.

Bali will be the first province to be reopened under the pandemic travel corridor as it is considered ready in terms of the enforcement of health protocols. Besides, the local government continued to increase the testing capacity, tracing, and handling of the virus spread which resulted in the drop of positive cases.

Meanwhile, Ubud and Nusa Dua were selected in consideration of their emergency status related to the pandemic. Both were classified as green zones that are at low risk of virus transmission.

Sandiaga claimed that several countries in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia are ready to enter Bali after the mass vaccinations took place. “We hope 120,000 vaccines will be given to tourism and creative economy players and people in Nusa Dua and Ubud,” he added.

Sandiaga Uno ensured that the government will take stern action against tourists violating the predetermined health protocols. Several sanctions have been set, including deportation.

Read: Tourism Minister Plans to Implement Free Covid Corridor in Bali

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA