numbers of visitors double in bali ahead of the long weekend

With the celebration of Maulid (commemoration of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad) falling on Thursday, the government announced the holiday for Wednesday & Friday making it a five days collective leave for most Indonesians. This has also seen an increase in the number of visitors for Bali double the current count.

Spokesperson of state-owned airport operator PT Angkasa Pura I’s Bali airport branch, Andanina Dyah Permatasari Mega confirmed that the number of visitors arriving in Bali has increased since last Sunday.

As per the record, 4900 passengers arrived on Sunday at Ngurah Rai International Airport. The number then rose to 5000 on Monday and 6000 on Tuesday respectively.

Previously the average number of arrivals at the airport was between 3000 to 3500. 

Andanina predicted that the peak of the increase would take place on Wednesday. “The holiday started [early] for civil servants and state-owned enterprises employees.”

Stated owned toll road toll operator PT Jasa Marga made a prediction about a huge spike in the departure of vehicles from Jakarta on Wednesday claiming most Holiday goers will return on Sunday.

As per the company's record around 147k vehicles have left the Indonesian capital on Tuesday which is two days before Maulid.

Dwimawan Heru, spokersperson for Jasa Marga said that company is going to impose restrictions on the number of vehicles and visitors at the rest areas to maintain and impose the physical distancing. They will work hand in hand with police to manage the traffic situation.

“We urge road users to [uphold their commitment to] comply with health protocols wherever they are,” Heru said.

Construction has been suspended for the weekend to avoid congestion on the toll roads. A 24 hours stand by staff for maintenance has been deployed and water supply has been ensured at the rest areas to prevent any kind of shortage during the holiday season.