Authorities in Bali’s Nusa Penida have committed to putting more boots on the ground to improve tourist safety and overall experience on the island.
As Bali enters the high season, tourists are heading to the outlying islands in their thousands every single day.
The Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Sulistiawati, has spoken to the media about the island’s commitment to ensuring public safety and satisfaction for tourists.
He explained, “We are reviewing additional officers based on operations, the capacity of guests arriving during high season.”
He revealed that there are 20 officers stationed across Nusa Penida’s busy tourist attractions at any given time; these include Banjar Nyuh Harbor, Sampalan Harbor, Buyuk Harbor, and the Devil’s Tear’s viewpoint.
Sulistiawati has confirmed that the Tourism Office is coordinating with Klungkung Regency Police and the Transportation Agency to help manage the movement of people and traffic on the island.
Sulistiawati said, “Currently, the number of visits to Nusa Penida averages 1,500-1,900 people per day….The increase in visits reached 223 percent [from the same period in 2022].”
Officers will be working to coordinate traffic and parking at busy locations around the island to help reduce congestion and delays for tourists.
He told reporters, “Limited parking spaces are also the cause of traffic jams. Officers will also be placed in the parking pockets provided by the community.”
Deploying more police officers in Nusa Penida is just one strategy from the Tourism Office to help improve safety and enjoyment for tourists on the island.
The Head of Ops for the Klungkung Police, Kompol I Ketut Suastika, has revealed that officers are also actively communicating with tourists arriving on the island to help ensure they know how to stay safe and have an enjoyable time during their visit.
Kompol Suastika shared details of Nusa Penida’s latest public awareness campaign. He explained, “We also distributed brochures appealing to foreigners regarding orderly traffic.
Such as always using a helmet when driving, not engaging in [immodest] activities that can disturb public order.”
This advice is all in alignment with the new do’s and don’ts of tourist behavior outlined by the Bali Provincial government in recent weeks.
Kompol Suastika continued to share his hope that the “distribution of these brochures can make foreigners aware of the importance of obeying traffic rules. As well as being able to reduce violations and the number of traffic accidents.”
Tourists can expect to see a greater police presence at Nusa Penida’s leading attractions, including the famous Kelingking Beach.
As a result of an increase in callouts for local Search and Rescue teams, officials on the island have also committed to ensuring greater safety and education resources at the island’s most dangerous destinations.
A swim ban remains in place at Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach in Nusa Penida after a number of tourists were dragged out to sea by high waves and strong currents.
Even if the ocean conditions on these beaches appear calm, it is not advised to enter the water due to the strong undercurrents that have resulted in tragedy for too many tourists.
Nusa Penida hit the headlines earlier this week as officials implemented a contentious’ retribution fee’ for tourists wishing to snorkel, dive or swim in the Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area.
The new IDR 100,000 fee came into place last weekend, but many tour operators claim they were not informed of the decision before it was implemented. Officials have defended the decision noting that the new fee was publicly discussed for six months before being bought into place.
The Head of the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Service for Bali, Putu Sumardiana, has confirmed to the media that the fees will be used to help further protect the endangered coral reef ecosystem that surrounds Nusa Penida, Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.
The Nusa Penida Marine Protection Area covers over 20,000 hectares and is home to rare ocean wildlife like turtles, manta rays, and seasonal shoals of sunfish.
Source: https://thebalisun.com/tourist-experience-in-balis-nusa-penida-to-improve-with-these-new-measures/
