Asia's most beautiful island urged to prioritize tourist safety

Chusnunia Chalim, deputy chairperson of Commission VII in the Indonesian House of Representatives, called on Bali's government to enhance protections for tourists and safeguard the island's reputation as a global tourism hotspot, according to The Bali Sun.

"One of the main challenges is security, especially in tourist areas. Tighter protections must be implemented so that tourists feel safe and comfortable," Chalim emphasized.

Her remarks follow a tragic incident on New Year's Eve when a 33-year-old Chinese female tourist was sexually assaulted by a motorcycle taxi driver.

The victim was attacked while attempting to return to her villa after celebrating at Nyangnyang Beach in Uluwatu, The Jakarta Post reported.

Bali authorities have condemned the assault, stating it undermines the island's reputation. Police are actively pursuing the suspect.

In a separate incident late last month, two female tourists, a French national and a South Korean national, lost their lives when a large tree fell in the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.

Bali, renowned for its stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, rich cultural heritage, and ancient temples, welcomed 6.3 million foreign visitors last year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.

This year, the island aims to attract 6.5 million foreign arrivals.

In October, Bali was voted Asia’s most beautiful island by readers of Condé Nast Traveler in its Readers’ Choice Awards.