On the Indonesian holiday island of Bali, the local governor wants to close the sacred mountains to tourists after several cases of misconduct by holidaymakers. If it were up to him, climbs will soon be completely banned – even for domestic visitors.
In a statement, Governor I Wayan Koster described vacationers dancing naked on Mount Batur and posing half-naked on Mount Agung. Both mountains are volcanoes sacred to Balinese culture.
“These are no ordinary places,” emphasizes Koster. “These are places that must be preserved and protected in terms of their inviolability.” He wants to issue a corresponding regulation for all mountains on the Indonesian holiday island. It is not known when the ban will take effect and how it will be enforced.
Resistance in the tourism industry
Especially the Batur and the Agung are popular destinations. The proposal is therefore met with opposition from politicians, activists and employees in the tourism industry. They warn that a ban would deprive many Balinese of their livelihoods and seriously affect the important industry. “We have families, that’s how we earn our money,” said a mountain guide.
Deputy provincial spokesman Tjok Gde Asmara Putra Sukawati urged Koster to reconsider the plan. He suggested not banning tourists from climbing, but making it mandatory to hire local mountain guides. They were then tasked with educating holidaymakers about the importance of the mountains and how to behave properly, he told local news site Detik Bali.
Code of conduct published
Just a few days ago, the regional government published a guide with the rules of conduct for the island. It will be handed out to all travelers at the airport and stapled in their passport along with the visa. Hindu Bali, also called the “Island of the Gods”, is known for its unique culture.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
