After many foreigners deliberately vandalized the sanctity of sacred sites in Bali, the Bali provincial government ordered tourists to not access 22 mountains on this tropical island.
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A statue near Mount Agung volcano in Bali. (Photo: Reuters) |
According to a VNA correspondent in Jakarta, Governor of Indonesia's Bali province, Mr. I Wayan Koster, has ordered a ban on tourists from accessing 22 mountains on the tropical island after many incidents of foreign tourists behaving inappropriately in these sacred areas.
In a statement, Governor Koster said the sacredness of the mountains is what attracts tourists to Bali. However, if the sacredness is damaged, it means the sacredness of Bali's nature is also diminished.
Mr. Koster cited recent cases of foreign tourists violating the sacredness of Bali’s mountains, including taking nude photos and littering. Therefore, the new policy aims to maintain good customs and create quality tourism.
In addition to international tourists, the ban also applies to domestic tourists as the Bali government completely closes 22 sacred mountains to the local Hindu community.
Mr. Koster stressed that the ban is not only for foreign visitors but also for domestic tourists and local residents, except for religious ceremonies or disaster response and special activities not for tourism purposes.
The ban is also expected to impact the livelihoods of indigenous communities, especially those providing mountaineering services such as guides and porters.
Chairman of the Mount Agung Trekking Guides Forum, Mr. I Ketut Mudiada hopes that there will be clear regulations and good management for trekking tourism.
According to Mr. I Ketut, tourism activities in the mountain area have an impact on the economy of the people living at the foot of the mountain, especially Mount Agung.
The ban on climbing in Bali is stipulated in Circular No. 4/2023 regarding international tourists in Bali. This policy is also issued based on two regulations of 2020 by the Governor of Bali on the protection of temples, religious symbols, and local tourism management.
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