Indonesia’s National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) is drawing up plans to improve disaster resilience and preparedness in tourist destinations across the country. Bali is said to be a priority location in the program, as officials hope to later emulate the province’s efforts in other regions.
“We are preparing a concept to make tourist destinations highly prepared. Regional Disaster Management Agencies [BPBD] will be held to an international standard, equipped with necessary facilities and supported with sufficient budget and quality human resources,” BNPB chief Doni Monardo told reporters in Nusa Dua today.
“This is the current plan. Bali will be a priority in the program so that other areas can follow its example.”
Doni explained that the emphasis on tourist destinations are meant to prepare not only local residents, but also visiting tourists.
“We all know Indonesia are prone to disasters, but should [tourists] have sufficient information, they will not worry about coming here,” he added.
Bali dealt with the impact of natural disasters just a couple of years ago, when Mount Agung erupted after more than 50 years of dormancy in 2017, leading to the evacuation of some 40,000 people and caused the closure of surrounding airports, therefore disrupting travel for many tourists.
The 2017 eruption had been preceded by earthquakes and followed by more eruptions, the last of which was recorded in June 2019. The activities of Mount Agung had affected the island’s biggest money-making industry, which reportedly saw a decline of about 30 percent that year.
In 2018, Bali welcomed nearly 16 million tourists, around six million of whom were foreign visitors.
Read more news and updates from Bali here.
Reader Interactions