Karangasem
(Antara Bali)- Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has ensured the international
public that Bali remains safe for visits, despite the alert states of
active Mount Agung.
"Bali remains safe for touristic visits by both domestic and foreign
visitors. We have taken various anticipatory measures and are well
prepared in case of an eruption," he said here on Thursday.
He stated that only very few areas would be affected by the
volcano`s increased activities, while a large number of tourist
destinations in Bali would be safe.
Besides, the Indonesian Government has been experienced in
handling eruptions of volcanoes. If Mount Agung erupts, then the
government would apply similar measures it did when Mount Raung in
Banyuwangi, East Java, erupted.
In the case of Mount Agung, the government has prepared three
options concerning accessibility, accommodation, and attractions for
tourists.
In case Bali`s Ngurah Rai International Airport has to be closed due
to volcanic asses, the Transportation Ministry has prepared alternative
airports in East Java and Lombok (West Nusa Tenggara) and a lot of
buses to transport passengers to those airports.
"The accessibility for domestic and foreign tourists has been anticipated in case of the worst," he remarked.
Some 300 buses would take passengers to Praya International Airport
in West Nusa Tenggara or to Juanda International Airport in Surabaya,
East Java.
Various options have also been prepared for tourists unable to leave their hotels or surrounding areas.
The tourism ministry did not deny a report that the number of
foreign tourists has dropped by 100 thousand people, of 20 percent of
the total 500 thousand foreign visitors per month.
Deputy District Head of Karangasem I Wayan Artha Dipa has said that
Besakih and Tulamben are among tourist attractions in the district that
being closed to the public due to increased activities of Mount Agung.
However, Karangasem District, where Mount Agung is located, still
has many tourist attractions located quite far from the volcano, which
would remain open to the public. (WDY)
Bali Remains Safe For Visits: Tourism Minister
Jumat, 6 Oktober 2017 7:53 WIB