Jembrana, Bali (ANTARA) - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, has voiced support for immigration authorities taking firm action against unruly tourists. "We have to be firm. We have provided quality tourism, so tourists must also appreciate cultural wisdom and the preservation of traditions and arts in Bali," he said during his visit to Pengambengan Archipelago Fisheries Port (PPN) in Jembarana district on Saturday.

He added that a clear message must be conveyed to tourists: they can travel, but they must comply with the laws and regulations, whose violation will result in legal proceedings.

In terms of enforcement, he lauded the immigration authorities for moving quickly to take action against foreign tourists found flouting regulations.

"Tourists who come must adapt to their goals in coming to Indonesia. If they deviate from their goals, for example, working here, they must be dealt with," he said.

Apart from tourists violating laws and regulations, he also warned of the negative impacts of over-tourism.

He gave the example of Barcelona, where locals recently used water guns on tourists because they felt uncomfortable with their presence.

"Things like that should not happen in Bali. Because people feel uncomfortable with the presence of tourists, then bad excesses arise. Besides, tourism is one of the drivers of the economy," he said.

According to him, to keep tourism running well, a balance needs to be struck between the interests of tourists and the comfort of local communities, including in the spread of tourist destinations so that tourists do not get concentrated in just one area.

Touching upon more equitable distribution of tourist destinations, he informed that one of the aims of building the Probowangi toll road in East Java province and the Mengwi-Gilimanuk toll road was to ensure that tourist destinations are distributed evenly.

"So, the tourists are not only concentrated in South Bali, but also in West Bali, which can be connected with Banyuwangi," he added.

He said that since the distance from Mengwi to Gilimanuk is 1.5 hours to 2 hours, he is optimistic that foreign tourists will be interested in visiting West Bali region.

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Translator: Gembong Ismadi/Rolandus Nampu, Cindy Frishanti Oct
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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