Amid the volcanic ash from Mount Agung, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya urged everyone to remain calm.

“Regarding the 18-hour closure of Ngurah Rai International Airport, we’ve asked [hotels] to provide special discounts,” Arief said.

“They will provide price cut above 50 percent for tourists whose flights were canceled, those who use low-cost carrier won’t be charged with an additional cancellation fee,” Arief added.

And for those who have to leave Bali soon, “We’ve made a plan together with the Transportation Ministry and Bali provincial administration to take tourists to the nearest international airport or to Gilimanuk,” Arief said.

Directorate General of Land Transportation (Ditjen Hubdat) has prepared buses that travel from Bali to West Nusa Tenggara (NTB).

“With the status of Mount Agung that has been raised from watch (level 3) to warning (level 4) level, Ditjen Hubdat together with Damri and Organization of Land Transportation Owners (ORGANDA) are providing 100 buses, both regular and tour buses, from I Gusti Ngurah Rai to Terminal Type A Mengwi Bali and to Padang Bai  ferry port for tourists and passengers who have been affected by the airport closure. We’ve also asked the ferry ports in Ketapang – Gilimanuk and Padang Bali – Lembar to anticipate the increase in the number of passengers and vehicles,” said Ditjen Hubdat director general Budi Setyadi. (asw)

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