February 18, 2022
Cumulative Indonesian Covid-19 cases hit 5 million + Bali craft brewers boost Indonesia’s beer market + International direct flight not effective in lifting Bali tourism + Weekend reads + more
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Weather & Tides
Today’s Weather for Southern Bali
Today’s Tides
Meteorology, Climatology & Geophysics Council (Link)
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Daily Covid Update
National Figures
Local Figures
The Big News
“Cumulative Indonesian Cases Hit 5 Million, but Less Severe, Fewer Deaths” from AP: Indonesia’s confirmed coronavirus infections since the pandemic began crossed 5 million on Thursday, the highest in Southeast Asia, but the related deaths and bed occupancy fueled by the highly transmissible omicron variant remained lower than in the previous outbreak. Since Tuesday, daily COVID-19 cases have outpaced July’s record that had overwhelmed hospitals on the main island of Java, hitting 63,956 on Thursday. The Health Ministry also reported 206 deaths compared to more than 2,000 a day at the peak of the surge last year. Data showed the bed occupancy rate at 33%, and 25% for intensive case units. Data showed 68% of the omicron-related deaths were unvaccinated people, while 49% were elderly and 48% with other severe illnesses. Only 66% of Indonesia’s 208 million people eligible for shots have been fully vaccinated.
“Bali Craft Brewers Boost Indonesia’s Beer Market” from Free Malaysia Today: Along with Bali-based breweries Islands Of Imagination and Island Brewing, Kura Kura is on the front line of a beer renaissance in Indonesia, a market long dominated by a handful of big players turning out bland, mass-produced lagers. Somewhat improbably, the three breweries have all launched during the pandemic that has added to challenges ranging from hard-to-obtain licenses, an inefficient Indonesian bureaucracy and Islamic-based parties pushing for a ban on alcohol consumption. But even amid the global health crisis, suppliers say demand for craft beer is growing — and fast. “There is a gold rush for craft beer in Indonesia right now,” said Aaron Grieser, the founder of Beervana. “We’re all saying it in the industry — the 2022-23 fiscal year is going to be the year of the craft beer boom.”
“International Direct Flight Not Effective in Lifting Bali Tourism” from CNN Indonesia (Indonesian): Bali tourism actors assess that the reopening of direct international flights has not had a significant impact on the economy of Bali. President Director of Indonesia Impression Tour Wayan Suena said international flights will not bring much change to Bali tourism as long as there is no visa-free arrival. "What the Balinese people must demand from the central government is not only direct international flights but must be accompanied by the re-implementation of free visas on arrival and a decrease in the value of insurance claims owned by tourists in addition to quarantine exemptions when entering Bali," Suena said on Thursday.
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Other Headlines
“Limited Ogoh-ogoh Parade Allowed in Banjar Environment, MDA Bali Speaks Up” from Tribun Bali (Indonesian): The Supreme Bendesa of the Bali Traditional Village Council (MDA), Ida Pangelingsir Agung Putra Sukahet voiced his opinion after the limited permit for the ogoh-ogoh parade during Nyepi. He reiterated that the reason for issuing Circular Letter Number 009/SE/MDA-Prov Bali/XII/2021 was part of protecting the creativity of the younger generation in the midst of a pandemic. This was conveyed by him when receiving an audience for the Pasikian Yowana Bali Traditional Village (MDA) Bali, at Puri Den Bencingah, Akah, Klungkung, on Wednesday. “Even though the parade at the wider Traditional Village Wewidangan cannot be held, I hope that the Yowana in all Traditional Villages in Bali, the children that Pangelingsir loves, remain excited. Moreover, the Governor of Bali provides support for the Ogoh-Ogoh competition and facilitation of antigen testing," he said on Thursday.
Vaccination Update
“Hundreds of Straits Market Traders are Enthusiastic to Participate in Booster Vaccinations” from Bali Puspa News (Indonesian): Hundreds of traders in the Straits Market, Karangasem enthusiastically participated in a booster vaccination program carried out by the Selat Sub-district Head in synergy with the Selat Health Center medical team, on Thursday. The third dose of vaccination took place in front of the Straits Market and was monitored directly by the Head of the Selat Sub-district, I Nengah Danu and the Head of the Selat Community Health Center, dr. I Gusti Lanang Putu Udiyana. In its implementation, the booster vaccination is targeted to target as many as 300 traders, as well as the elderly, community leaders, pecalang, stakeholders to the general public who have received a second vaccination with a span of more than 6 months.
Health Protocols (Prokes) & Health Services
“Govt to Grant Quarantine-Free Arrival for Indonesians in Emergency” from Tempo: Covid-19 task force spokesperson Wiku Adisasmito on Thursday said Indonesian citizens who are returning home from traveling overseas can receive dispensation on the Covid quarantine under certain situations. “The dispensation for Indonesian citizens is only given to those under emergency situations, life-threatening situations, seeking special healthcare treatments, and to attend funerals of relatives,” said the spokesperson on Thursday.
More...
Nation: “Indonesia Managed to Delay Covid Importation Longer: Official” from Antara
Nation: “BRIN Encourages Stem Cell Research in Indonesia” from Antara
Economy & Infrastructure
“Ministry of Transport Prepares for Predicted 63,698 People at MotoGP” from Republika (Indonesian): The Directorate General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation has prepared traffic engineering to support the 2022 MotoGP event in Lombok. The Director General of Land Transportation of the Ministry of Transportation Budi Setiyadi said that he had prepared a Traffic Engineering Management scheme. "With the increase in vehicles and the large number of people, of course, there will be many vehicles that trigger congestion," Budi said on Wednesday. Budi said the potential passengers per day between MotoGP could reach as many as 30,975 passengers. Meanwhile, the number of MotoGP spectators is estimated at 63,698 people. Budi said, it is estimated that for three days there will be an increase in intermodal passengers. "The third day is the peak of the increase in passengers, especially in downtown Mataram, BIZAM, and Lembar Harbor," said Budi.
Context: In related news, Garuda has added Surabaya to Lombok flights. Meanwhile, Pertamina has stated there will be an adequate supply of fuel for the race.
More...
Nation: “Trade Minister to Announce Mitigation Policy for Rising Soybean Prices” from Antara
Nation: “Govt Seeking to Slash Extreme Poverty to 1.5% by 2023” from Antara
Nation: “Trade Minister Guarantees Stable Cooking Oil Supply in a Week” from Antara
Nation: “Bank Indonesia Expects 10% Rise in Annual LCS Transactions” from The Jakarta Post (Metered Paywall)
Nation: “OJK Instructs Binary Option Trade 'Influencers' to Stop Promoting” from Tempo
Bali Reopening
“Many Hotels in Bali Remain Closed, Almost 1,000 for Sale” from CNBC Indonesia (Indonesian): The wave of hotel closures is still happening in Bali amidst the unrecovered tourism sector. The chairman of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) of Badung Regency, Bali, I Gusti Agung Ngurah Rai Suryawijaya, explained that the average hotel occupancy rate in Bali in the region is still around 15-20%. "With an occupancy of 15% - 20%, of course, each hotel only retains 30% of its employees for efficiency. Likewise, there are still some hotels that are closed today," said I Gusti Agung on Thursday. This means that at least 1,500 of the 5,000 hotels in Bali are still not operating at this time. If you launch the Lamudi e-commerce page, hotel sales in Bali are also very large. There are at least 844 hotels for sale on that page, ranging from 2 stars to 5 stars spread across many regions.
More...
“Bubble Hotel Quarantine in Bali: Tourists Can Join Yoga and Walk to the Beach” from Kumparan (Indonesian):
Weekend Reads
“Five Indonesian Authors You Should Read” from LitHub
“How Indonesian-Chinese Dishes Like Bakmi Ayam and Laksa Bogor Survived Covid-19” from South China Morning Post
“An Indonesian Mother’s Unending — and Inspiring — Protest to Find Her Son’s Killer” from LA Times (Paywall)
Of Interest
“Dutch PM Apologises for State’s Role in Abuses in 1940s Indonesian War” from The Guardian
“Dissemination of Hoaxes Could Fuel National Disintegration” from Antara
“African Tourist Hits Four Student Motorcycles in Kuta” from CNN Indonesia (Indonesian)
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How You Can Help Bali
Due to the collapse of the tourism sector in Bali, tens of thousands of families have found themselves with a greatly reduced income—if any. If you’d like to support organizations working to help those in need, you can see a list of some here.
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