"First, (about the call for the revocation of) VoA is just an issue brought up by the Governor of Bali. I hope that decision will not be taken," she said at the “2023 Indo-Russian Travel and Tourism Fair” press conference and mini expo held here on Friday.
According to her, if the policy is implemented, it will affect the flow of Russian tourists visiting Indonesia since the VoA facility attracts tourists.
Meanwhile, she urged Russian tourists to comply with regulations at the destinations they visit, and highlighted that recommendations for complying with the local law have been provided on the Russian embassy’s website.
The recommendations also encourage tourists to respect local traditions and culture.
When asked about reports of Russian tourists disturbing the peace in Bali, she said that most Russian tourists are people who abide by laws and respect culture, including when in Indonesia.
However, she said, the issue of foreign tourists violating the rules in Bali cannot be generalized because there can be some people who do not obey the law. "Of course, same as in other countries, there must be some people who do not obey the law very much. I do not think that's really our focus," she added.
On the same occasion, area I marketing coordinator for the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry, Tringsasi Agus Rini, said that the foreign tourists causing trouble in Bali have mostly been those who have lived in Bali for a long time or have been stuck in Bali.
"Looking at the problem in Bali, they (foreign tourists who caused trouble) were usually stuck in Indonesia, so they were looking for a job," Rini noted.
Earlier, Bali Governor I Wayan Koster had proposed that the Ministry of Law and Human Rights cancel visas on arrival for Russian and Ukrainian nationals visiting Bali.
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Translator: Sinta A, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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