BALI – The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy / Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, said that his party would prepare strategic steps to help restore tourism villages affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Menparekraf Sandiaga, during his office in Bali, conducted a visit to Kutuh Tourism Village, in Badung Regency, Thursday (11/2/2021) night.
The pandemic has hit hard at the Tourism Village, which has an independent status and has even become a national pilot. Before the pandemic, Kutuh Tourism Village with Pandawa Beach as one of its main attractions was usually visited by 3,000 tourists per day. From tourism, this village manages to generate IDR 50 billion per year.
“But because of the pandemic, their income has decreased by 90 percent, resulting in more than 200 small businesses and more than 290 workers and 3,000 more residents in this traditional village whose economy has declined,” said Menparekraf Sandiaga.
Also attending the occasion, Deputy Regent of Badung Ketut Suiasa, Bendesa Adat Kutuh I Nyoman Egypt, Head of Kutuh I Wayan Badra Traditional Village, Chairman of Pokdarwis / Chair of New Normal Wayan Duartha, COVID Task Force Kutuh Ketut Gita Village, Managing Director of BUMDA, Kutuh Ni Luh Traditional Village Hepi Wiradani, as well as Deputy of Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy / Baparekraf Hari Sungkari and Deputy for Institutional Resources of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy / Baparekraf Wisnu Bring Tarunajaya. From the results of the review and discussion, the Menparekraf said that his party would prepare programs and strategic steps that were fast, right on target, right on benefits, and on time.
“According to Bendesa Adat, the level of survival here is only sufficient until March, so this is an emergency. So I immediately bring back the proposal submitted from the customary village, and will discuss it with the Deputy Regent. Hopefully we can provide a touch of the right benefits, right target, and on time. Because we must really save the tourism sector and the creative economy, “said Menparekraf Sandiaga.
From Kemenparekraf / Baparekraf itself, programs that can be implemented include stimulus, social assistance, the BISA program (Clean, Beautiful, Healthy, Safe), and others. “The programs that can at least drive the activities here, and we must execute them quickly,” Sandiaga said.
Kutuh Tourism Village, which also has a soccer field with well-groomed grass, has a flagship program “bolabali”, an annual activity that usually brings in foreign tourists. This year it will be held starting in July 2021 which is expected to be visited by domestic tourists who of course will enliven not only the event but also tourist destinations such as Pandawa Beach.
It is hoped that this activity will become a “sport tourism” event carried out with strict health protocols. Previously, when meeting with the Governor of Bali I Wayan Koster, Menparekraf said that his party together with the Bali Provincial Government are also planning a labor-intensive program worth IDR186 billion which will be realized in 177 tourist villages in Bali. It is expected that 15,000 tourism and creative economy workers can be accommodated in this program every day. The activity of the Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno based in Bali this time will take place. ***
Editor – Igo Kleden
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