TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Russian Ambassador to Indonesia Lyudmila Vorobieva commented on reports about Russian tourists in Bali being involved in a myriad of minor violations, which also drove Bali authorities to pitch the idea of stopping the visa on arrival (VOA) service for tourists coming from Russia.

In answering questions from journalists, Vorobieva cited the embassy’s website that strongly recommends visitors abide by Indonesian laws, and respect traditions, and cultures in Indonesia. She also insists that the majority of Russians are "very law-abiding" people.

"...The vast majority of Russian tourists are very law abiding people that respect the wonderful traditions of Indonesia and, of course like any nation, there are some people who are not very, you know, law abiding, and but I think it's not something that we should focus on..." Lyudmila said during the Indonesia-Russia tourism investment forum on Friday, March 17, 2023.

A number of Russian nationals currently residing in Bali came under the spotlight following a series of traffic violations and identity forgery. Just last week, the Directorate General of Immigration arrested three Russians who violated their stay permit by working as sex workers. They were arrested in the area of Seminyak.

Bali Governor Wayan Koster had even suggested the immigration office revoke the visa-on-arrival service for Russians and Ukrainians. Koster argued that the decision was made following numerous reports regarding the disturbing behaviour said to be committed by tourists from the aforementioned countries.

In response to the governor’s idea, Ambassador Lyudmila Vorobieva said: “I hope this decision will not be taken because of course it will have an impact on the flow of tourists from Russia.”

DANIEL. A. FAJRI | ANTARA | EKA YUDHA SAPUTRA

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