The Garuda Wisnu Kencana (GWK) Cultural Park in Bali is closed to the public starting today as park management cited higher risk of COVID-19 transmission alongside increased number of visitors.
“The decision to temporarily close operations is also because we’ve considered the fact that when the number of visitors increase, the risk of COVID-19 transmission tails right behind,” Andre Prawiradisastra, marketing communications and event general manager at the park, said yesterday.
Andre added that the temporary closure would also protect their employees, as he expressed hope that optimal handling of the pandemic at the official level would support the recovery of Bali’s battered tourism industry.
GWK was temporarily closed in March of last year and reopened in early December. GWK reportedly employs about 300 people in total, excluding outsourced employees who take up roles such as security and customer service. All employees are temporarily furloughed as the park remains closed.
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said that GWK’s temporary closure is part of a synergized effort to curb coronavirus transmission in Bali. The minister said GWK welcomes about 5,000 daily visitors before the pandemic.
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