Bali Remains Safe For Visits: Tourism Minister

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)