We want the tourists to respect and adhere to their obligation of following the rules during their vacation
Semarang, Central Java (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has urged tourists, particularly international visitors, to follow all regulations, including traffic rules, while vacationing in the country.

"Prohibition on motorbike rentals (in Bali) is because there have been many complaints and violations of traffic rules as well as accidents involving foreign tourists," the minister explained after a public lecture at Sultan Agung Islamic University (Unissula) in Semarang, Central Java, on Thursday.

He made the remark in response to a regulation issued by the Bali government banning foreign tourists visiting the island from renting motorbikes.

The minister said that the violations and accidents occurred because tourists did not ride the motorbikes well and were not aware of the traffic regulations in Indonesia.

"Like wearing helmets and riding vehicles according to safety protocols on the road," he added.

The regulation was formulated to prevent more traffic violations involving tourists, some of which can be fatal, Uno said.

"Of course, we will see how it affects the quality and sustainability of tourism," he added.

Ideally, tourists must use cars for their activities and motorbikes only for special cases, such as during traffic jams, the minister said.

"That too (using motorbikes) must be assisted by online motorcycle taxi, or other transportation service providers," he added.

He said he expected strict sanctions to be imposed on all those who violate the traffic rules, including foreign tourists.

"We want the tourists to respect and adhere to their obligation of following the rules during their vacation," Minister Uno said.

Some time ago, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster declared that tourists, particularly those from overseas, have been banned from using or renting motors during their time on the island.

There are already some regulations for foreign tourists and on the governance of the tourism sector of the region, which include that prohibition.

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Translator: Zuhdiar Laeis, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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