13-6-2023 (JAKARTA) The proposed plan to ban individuals from climbing Bali’s mountains, following reports of misconduct in what is considered sacred locations, is still being deliberated, according to Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno.
During a press conference on Monday (Jun 12), Mr Uno addressed the issue following Bali Governor I Wayan Koster’s announcement at the end of May to prohibit visitors from hiking on the island’s mountains. The ban would apply to local communities, tourists from other parts of Indonesia, as well as foreigners. However, Mr Koster clarified that the ban would not affect those visiting the mountains for religious purposes and rituals.
To enforce the ban, Mr Koster aims to pass it into local regulation, which would require approval from the local parliament. However, as of Monday, Mr Uno stated that the authorities have yet to finalize the plan. Concerns have been raised that local communities and business owners in Bali, who depend on mountain-related activities, may face financial challenges if the ban is implemented.
“The issue of banning people from climbing mountains is still being discussed with several regional unit heads in the Bali regional government. Once it is finalized, it will be explained by the governor of Bali,” said Mr Uno.
During the same press conference, Bali’s tourism chief, Tjokorda Bagus Pemayun, stated that the ban is being proposed to preserve the sacred places in the predominantly Hindu-populated island.
“We have received a kind of fatwa (edict) from cultural and religious leaders in Bali to protect the mountains, which are considered sacred. That is why we prioritize cultural tourism according to our new motto, which is quality and dignified cultural tourism,” said Mr Pemayun.
He added that there are approximately 180 mountain guides in Bali who will be offered contract positions once the ban is enacted.
“There are 186 mountain tour guides. We will transform them into contract workers, and the specific tasks will be discussed later. We will not halt their ventures; instead, we will provide solutions,” explained Mr Pemayun.
The plan to prohibit mountain climbing in Bali comes after Governor Koster issued a circular at the end of May containing guidelines for tourists visiting the island. The circular included 16 rules, reminding tourists to respect Bali’s culture by dressing modestly, honoring temples and religious symbols, and adhering to local customs.
Separately, Mr Uno also addressed a request from the indigenous Baduy community in Banten province for an internet blackout in their area to minimize its “negative impact.” The Baduy people, who live in seclusion and maintain a traditional lifestyle, requested the blackout to be implemented in their main area, known as the Inner Baduy, to limit the influence of smartphones on their community.
“We have received a request for an internet blackout from some community leaders… We have coordinated and are following up on the request conveyed by the community elders,” said Mr Uno.
The Baduy people, consisting of approximately 26,000 individuals in Banten, divide themselves into an “outer group” that partially embraces technology and an “inner group” that rejects modern advancements. The government has developed a tourist village in the area, known as Saba Baduy, which is located outside the core Baduy region. This village will not be affected by the proposed internet blackout.
