June 23, 2021
Bali reopening will be "adjusted" to more conducive Covid situation + Work From Bali and ceremonies behind case increase says local task force + Bali to become vaccine mandatory destination + more
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Weather & Tides
Today’s Weather for Southern Bali
Today’s Tides
Meteorology, Climatology & Geophysics Council (Link)
Tide table from Tide-forecast.com.
Local Covid Numbers
*Note: 127 new cases were recorded yesterday, pushing the 7-day average up to 101. This is the first time it’s been in triple digits since May 12 (107). One foreigner was among the new cases reported. There were 3 deaths, bringing this month’s fatality total to 37.
Click here to see the national numbers infographic and a Regency-by-Regency breakdown of yesterday’s local numbers.
The Big News
"Tourism Minister Says Bali Tourism Reopening Will be Adjusted to Covid-19 Situation" from Tribun Bali (Indonesian): Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said he was concerned about the increasing number of Covid-19 transmissions in Indonesia. With the increasing transmission, the plan to open Bali tourism for foreign tourists in July 2021 is being reviewed. Tourism and Creative Economy Minister (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno said on Tuesday, "Regarding the plan to open Bali, of course this program will continue, but of course we have to look at the current situation related to the pandemic condition. We will adjust the announcement of when (to open Bali tourism for foreign tourists) when there is a more conducive Covid situation. The preparations are still at 90% for the preparation of the travel corridor arrangements, and for the preparation of aircraft charters as a trial. The preparation has been very significant. But pressing the button (when Bali is set to open) depends on the current Covid situation.”
"Work From Bali and Traditional Ceremonies Cause Spike in COVID-19 Cases" from Kumpuran (Indonesia): Secretary of the Bali Province COVID-19 Task Force, Made Rentin, said that the surge in coronavirus cases in Bali in recent days was caused by two factors. Namely, local transmission from traditional ceremonies and transmission through the activities of domestic travelers (PPDN). "We know that there is a national policy, Work From Bali (WFB) that directs all ministries, institutions, and state-owned enterprises to carry out activities in Bali. So the logical consequence is that it is very possible that positive cases will be found in Bali.” Previously, daily additional cases were below 50, but over the last five days, they have been above 100. In an effort to prevent a spike in cases from PPDN, said Rentin, elements of the entrance to Bali, which include airports and ports, are carrying out strict screening. Meanwhile, according to him. the spread of local transmission is caused by social, cultural, customary and religious activities. Indeed, recently there have been many auspicious days on which to carry out religious ceremonies such as marriages, cremations, and other mourning activities.
Context: The Work From Bali program doesn't actually involve all central government ministries, just the seven under the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment: Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries, Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Public Works and Public Housing, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and Ministry of Investment. Further, over the last five days, there have only been three on which cases were above 100: Saturday, Sunday, and Tuesday. It has been reported that 3,000 people joined Work From Bali in Nusa Dua in June.
"Bali to Become Vaccine Mandatory Tourist Destination" from Liputan 6: The government will appoint Bali as a tourist destination that will run a vaccinated tourism program. This program was created for the Island of the Gods to boost the Balinese economy. The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno explained that Bali was chosen for this program because the regional economy was still contracting from the beginning of 2020. It is even estimated that the economy in Bali will still contract in the second quarter of this year. The appointment of Bali as a vaccinated tourist destination is expected to help the process of regional economic recovery. "It seems that Bali needs [the program] the most right now. That's why we give priority according to the leadership's direction, but we don't rule out other destinations," he said.
Context: Government news agency Antara reported that the vaccinated tourism program would apply to both domestic and foreign tourists entering Bali. This is a turnaround for the Tourism Ministry, which recently announced quarantine procedures for foreign tourists arriving in Bali both with and without a vaccination certificate. President Jokowi has expressed his support for the vaccinated tourism program.
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Other Headlines
"Queues at Bali’s Ngurah Rai Airport Depict Indonesians’ Thirst for Travel" from Coconuts Bali: A TikTok video showing long queues at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport should figuratively raise our collective eyebrows with Indonesia facing a new surge in COVID-19 cases, but an airport official is hopeful for even more arrivals; as long as health protocols are observed, of course. The video, which was taken on Monday, showed people forming lines to check-in for their flights at Ngurah Rai. Ngurah Rai spokesman Taufan Yudhistira said that Bali has seen high numbers for both departures and arrivals since last weekend. Yesterday, there were reportedly around 7,000 passengers arriving in Bali, while more than 8,000 flew out of the province. “We hope there continues to be an increase [in passengers]. Noting that all passengers must be disciplined with health protocols, wash their hands often, and use their masks properly,” Taufan said.
Vaccination Update
Nation: "12.5 Million People Have Completed Covid-19 Vaccination" from Antara Bali (Indonesian)
Denpasar: "Church Congregations in Badung Participate in Covid-19 Vaccination" from Antara Bali (Indonesian)
Health Protocols (Prokes) & Patrols
"Foreigners Dominate Prokes Violations, Those Who Implement Them Given 'Rewards'" from Bali Post (Indonesian): The increasing number of confirmed cases of Covid-19 in Bali has made the police together with the TNI and related stakeholders intensively carry out prokes raids. In the Noth Kuta area, prokes violators are dominated by foreign nationals. Responding to these conditions, the North Kuta Police also gave rewards in the form of gifts to foreigners who were disciplined in implementing prokes, along with local residents, said North Kuta Police Chief AKP Putu Diah Kurniawandari.
More...
Nation: "Quarantine Underway for 224 Indonesian Migrant Workers" from Antara
Nation: "List of Provinces with Highest Cases of COVID-19, Where is Bali on the List?" from Suara Bali (Indonesian)
Province: "Covid-19 Delta Variant More Deadly? Professor Udayana: No Data Yet" from iNews Bali (Indonesian)
Province: "Kominfos Affirms Bali Province Orange Zone" from Bali Puspa News (Indonesian)
Province: "Bali Covid-19 Task Force Reminds Residents Not to Prepare Buffets" from Antara Bali (Indonesian)
Badung: "Central Government Revises PPKM Policy, Badung Satpol PP Awaits Regent's Instructions" from Bali Post (Indonesian)
Badung: "26 Tenants in the Nusa Dua Area Have Received CHSE Certificates" from Bali Express (Indonesian)
Denpasar: "Denpasar Lumintang Park Closed to Prevent Spread of Covid-19" from iNews Bali (Indonesian)
Jembrana: "Anticipating Surge in Covid-19 Patients, Jembrana State Hospital Prepares Isolation Rooms" from Bali Puspa News (Indonesian)
Economy & Infrastructure
"Covid-19 Surge Will Hamper Q2 GDP Growth: Sri Mulyani" from The Jakarta Post (Metered Paywall): The Finance Ministry has acknowledged that Indonesia’s recent COVID-19 surge will hamper gross domestic product (GDP) growth in the second quarter, a period that was otherwise expected to book record-high growth. Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati told reporters on Monday that the ministry was particularly concerned over the surge on Java, an island that contributes nearly 60% of the country’s GDP but that was also the epicenter of a new outbreak. “That surge will be the center of our attention and will affect second-quarter growth,” she said during an online press conference. Top officials had projected Indonesia to book above 6% GDP growth in the second quarter this year, a figure unseen since 2013, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
More...
Nation: "Indonesia Strengthens Collaboration with Britain to Restore Bali's Tourism and Creative Economy Sector" from Tribun Bali (Indonesian)
Nation: "Indonesia Elected as Food and Agricultural Council Member for 2021-2024" from The Jakarta Globe
Nation: "Encouraging Digital Payments to Support Economic Recovery" from The Jakarta Post (Metered Paywall)
Nation: "Supporting Beef Self-Sufficiency, Cattle Boats Come to Calabai" from Republika (Indonesian)
Nation: "Minister of Industry: Government Boosts Use of Local Products" from Antara Bali (Indonesian)
Nation: "How We Can Do Better: Inside Indonesia's Graphic Design Industry" from The Jakarta Post
Gianyar: "Built Without Permit, Villa Project in Gianyar Terminated" from Radar Bali (Indonesian)
Jembrana: "Governor Supports Jembrana Regent to Develop Cocoa Products" from Bali Puspa News (Indonesian)
Karangasem: "Impact of Heavy Rain in Karangasem, Losses Exceed 1M" from Bali Post (Indonesian)
Bali Reopening
"Bali Council Absorbs Aspirations During Recess, Many Ask for Opening of International Tourism" from Tribun Bali (Indonesian)
Education
"Chairman of Commission IV DPRD Bali Expects PTM Plan to be Re-examined" from Bali Express (Indonesian): Chairperson of Commission IV of the Bali DPRD, I Gusti Putu Budiarta, hopes that the face-to-face learning plan (PTM) will be studied further, given the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Bali. "Reflecting on previous experiences, we are careless with Covid-19, as if we are free and as if we are in a normal position. Even though 75% of the population will have been vaccinated in Bali, we must not be careless," explained Gusti Budiarta. "For PTM, if possible, please review it properly, if it is held, it must be carried out in a very good process," he said. He also admitted that at this time there was a great need for a meeting for learning, even if it was limited. "Learning from home is good if the parents guide well. If there is no one to guide, this will be a problem," he concluded.
Context: The "75% of the population" figure is incorrect. Bali has targeted 70% of the population for vaccination.
"Ruckus in Madura-Surabaya Border Amid Widespread Refusal Against Testing" from Coconuts Jakarta: Hundreds of Bangkalan, Madura citizens under the Coalition of United Madura People rallied outside Surabaya City Hall protesting Mayor Eri Cahyadi’s “discriminatory” policy mandating swab antigen tests for those from the island entering the East Java capital via the 5.4-kilometer Suramadu Bridge. At around 5am Tuesday, a group of motorcyclists came riding from Madura and caused a ruckus at a swab test checkpoint on the Surabaya side of the bridge. Videos that have circulated from the incident show the motorcyclists squaring off with military and police officers at the test facility, while loud bangs from firecrackers can be heard on several occasions, with reports that the explosives were hurled at the officers. A Surabaya official has confirmed the attack and said that some from the mob managed to kick down several chairs at the testing facility before the mobile brigade (Brimob) dispersed them with tear gas. Local police are investigating who was behind the attack, and there have been no reports of any serious injuries.
Context: Madura in Bangkalan district, East Java, is classed as a red zone. Madurese entering Bali via Gilimanuk Port are required to retest upon arrival, and can access antigen testing for free. An epidemiologist has said that the demo greatly increased the risk of Covid-19 transmission.
"Villa Burglaries Rise During Pandemic" from Bali Post (Indonesian): The crime rate in North Kuta area has increased, especially in the case of villa break-ins. "In this pandemic situation, there are also many cases of crime, but we are working and trying to uncover them. We, the Badung Police, encourage citizens to report any incidents," said Badung Police Chief AKBP Roby Septiadi. He appealed to the entire community and foreigners in North Kuta and its surrounds to remain vigilant. "Villa owners should continue to improve security," he said.
"Crocodile in Sangsang River Gianyar Allegedly Released by Owner" from iNews Bali (Indonesian): A crocodile roaming the mouth of the Sangsang River in More Village, Gianyar Regency, Bali startled local residents. It is suspected that the crocodile was deliberately released by its owner. Bali Natural Resources Conservation Agency (BKSDA) officers were at the location to catch the crocodile. However, until Tuesday afternoon, the animal had not been caught. "There were several crocodile handlers who also came, but the conditions from the terrain were quite difficult and the crocodiles did not come to the surface," said Head of SKW II BKSDA Bali, Sulistyo Widodo. From the monitoring results, the crocodile was an estuarine crocodile with the Latin name Crocodylus porosus. No estuarine crocodiles have been found in that location for years.
Of Interest
"Islamophobia Vs Cartoon: Indonesian Children’s Show ‘Nussa’ Accused of Promoting Taliban Rule" from Coconuts Jakarta
"Ministries Deport 34 Vietnamese Ship Crew Members" from Antara
"No, You Don’t Have to Be Vaccinated to Apply for a Driver’s License in Indonesia" from Coconuts Jakarta
"Steven & Coconuttreez Frontman and Reggae Star Tepeng Passes Away" from Coconuts Jakarta
"During Pandemic, Divorce Rates Rise Sharply" from Bali Post (Indonesian)
"Free Family Planning Services Simultaneously All Over Bali" from Nusa Bali (Indonesian)
"Christian Cemetery Terrorized in Solo, Scribbled, Cross Destroyed" from Suara Bali (Indonesian)
"Jembrana Student Dies After Electric Pole Collapses, Closing Road" from Bali Puspa News (Indonesian)
"Stealing Laptops and Cellphones of Swedish Citizen in Bali, Kalimantan Man Arrested" from Radar Bali (Indonesian)
How You Can Help
In response to the collapse of the tourism sector in Bali and the resulting economic crisis, dozens of individuals and organizations have sprung into action, raising funds and distributing badly needed food and everyday essentials to the innumerable families who have suddenly found themselves without any source of income. We've been making an effort to document and raise awareness of these efforts. We will add information on projects in this space as we are able to confirm them. If you'd like to see a list of the efforts that we've featured so far and contribute to them with either time or money, visit our complete list here. You can also see a list of projects that have registered themselves at BaliSolidarity.org. If you know of an effort and would like to have them listed, please send their information to TheBaliBeat@outlanders.global.
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