Sandiaga Uno to Adopt Phuket Sandbox Scheme for Bali Tourism Reopening

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said the government continues preparations for the reopening of Bali tourism although the strictest level of public mobility restrictions or PPKM Level 4 is still in place in the province. The preparations are being carried out in green zone areas, such as Nusa Dua.

The tourism reopening will adopt the Phuket Sandbox plan initiated by the Thailand government. “Learning from the Phuket Sandbox which focuses on significantly curbing local transmission in Phuket can be later applied in Bali,” said Sandiaga in a written statement on Tuesday, September 7.

The Phuket Sandbox is a scheme used for the reopening of island-based tourism by limiting the number of tourist arrivals. The plan allows fully vaccinated foreign tourists from low to moderate-risk countries to enter Thailand without quarantine.

Sandiaga said the government has not yet decided when Bali tourism will be reopened, waiting for better Covid-19 situations as requested by President Joko Widodo or Jokowi.

“The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry will continue to coordinate with the Foreign Affairs Ministry and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Fisheries regarding the reopening of Bali because the Covid-19 handling must be synergized to immediately determine its readiness,” said Sandiaga Uno.

Read: Sandiaga Uno: Hotels Used as Prostitution Hubs Face Closure

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA