Australian tourists have considered Bali as their second home.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia is ready to welcome international tourists, especially from Australia to Bali, as the government has gradually reopened international borders, Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno stated.

The minister noted that Indonesia has opened its international borders since March 8, 2022. Australia is one of the 42 countries that are able to get visa on arrival (VoA) in Bali.

"We also have to disseminate information on our travel policies to the international community. The policies show our concern for the safety and health of the tourists," Uno noted while meeting Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, as quoted from a statement here on Tuesday.

Williams remarked that Indonesia continues to strive to curb the transmission of COVID-19 to provide safety and confidence to overseas tourists visiting the country.

Meanwhile, Williams noted that Australian people were eager to visit Indonesia again, especially Bali.

"In addition, many Indonesian citizens are currently studying or working in Australia. Thus, the reopening of the Indonesian-Australian border gate also offers respite to Indonesian citizens living in Australia," she remarked.

Furthermore, she is upbeat about both nations intensifying cooperation in various sectors, especially in the economic sector.

"Hence, we are ready to collaborate to bolster our cooperation," she added.

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Earlier, Uno had noted that Australia is the most potential market to gain more overseas tourist visits to Indonesia, especially Bali.

Thus, Uno has planned to visit two cities in Australia -- Melbourne and Sydney -- to increase the number of international tourists from the country to Indonesia.

"Australian tourists consider Bali as their second home," he remarked at the Weekly Press Briefing here on April 4, 2022.

During the meeting with the Australian ambassador, the Indonesian minister was accompanied by Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry’s Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Organizers Rizki Handayani; Director of National and International Events Dessy Ruhati; as well as Director of Inter-Institutional Relations Iman Santosa.


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Translator: Baqir Alatas, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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