Calls for a ban on tourism to Bali have been renewed after the two Australian Bali Nine prisoners were transferred to Nusakambangan island where they face execution.
The transfer comes despite pleas from the Australian government and family members to call off the execution, which is said to be taking place this week.
“Even in the eleventh hour, I hope that there might be a change of heart in Indonesia and these executions might be stopped.”
Tony Abbott, Australian Prime Minister
Jakarta’s governor has also urged Indonesia’s president to rethink executions in the country, and give prisoners a chance to live and change their ways.
Regardless of where the request for mercy comes from, Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran were deported to the island where they will be executed by firing squad.
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott still has hope the decision will be overturned. Image: Mykhaylo Palinchak / Shutterstock.com
Indonesia and more specifically Bali-based operators told SBS News they’re concerned that the executions will impact tourism to the country, which plays an important component to the country’s economy.
“Yes, I worry because this is my income. You know, without the Australian people coming here I don’t have money.”
Frans, a local surf instructor
In 2012, the tourism sector contributed US$9 billion of foreign exchanged to Indonesia. In 2013, this figure is expected to have surpassed US$10 billion.
Australians are Indonesia’s third largest international visitor market, with some 1.09 million in 2014. This was an increase of 17.06 percent on the previous year.
Bali captured 88 percent of total Australian visitation. Destinations beyond Bali are also seeing an increase in Australian numbers.
Bali captures 88 percent of Australian visitors to Indonesia.
Last month, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Julie Bishop said Australians may reconsider travelling to Bali if the executions go ahead.
However, opinion amongst Australians is still split as some say the Bali Nine executions won’t impact future travel plans to Bali, while others are banning the destination all together.
@alexhart7 @sunriseon7 it’s just so wrong.. I will never travel to Bali .. EVER
— Lyndall Bennett (@Lyndall36) March 3, 2015
This is not racially motivated at all……but I can honestly say I will NEVER travel to Bali…..why rehabilitate & then kill anyway? — Chris Vick (@ChrisVickBP) March 3, 2015
KarryOn has contacted Indonesia’s representatives in Australia and was told they are currently unauthorised to comment.
We’ve also contacted Garuda Indonesia to see if there has been any impact to flight bookings.
We’re currently awaiting comment, however in January this year, Garuda terminated services between Brisbane and Bali, citing a network wide restructure for the decision.
KarryOn is also awaiting comment from several tour operators on whether they’ve experienced any cancellations during the first two months of the year.
The two Australian men will be shot alongside eight other drug convicted felons in a mass execution, The Sydney Morning Herald reported.
