Govt Optimistic Bali Tourism ‘Still Safe’

Kompas/Bahana Patria Gupta

Evacuees of Mount Agung from Muncan village, Selat district, Karangasem regency, cut bamboo to be woven into sokasi (offering baskets) at the evacuation location in Balai Banjar Rendang, Rendang district, Karangasem regency, Bali, Thursday (5/10). The activity, which is usually done at home, is being carried out by the evacuees at the evacuation center so that they can continue to earn a living.

KARANGASEM, KOMPAS — The central government is stepping in to promote Bali, stressing that it remained safe for tourists. The government is optimistic that the tourism climate in Bali will not be affected by the highest alert level of Awas (warning) on the rumbling Mount Agung, which has been in place since Sept. 22.

"My arrival here this time is to show that Bali is still safe and comfortable to visit," said Tourism Minister Arief Yahya in Bali, Thursday (5/10). As of Thursday, Mt Agung’s volcanic activities remained high, with the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) having extended the emergency period until Oct. 18, six days longer than the previous target.