Nusa Penida, a prominent island in Bali Province, has gained recognition for its iconic cliff tops, often featured in postcards depicting the Indonesian holiday resort.
Unfortunately, a series of accidents in the past year have brought negative attention to Nusa Penida. In response, officials are now dedicated to enhancing the island’s infrastructure to ensure public safety and improve the quality of tourism.
During a visit to Nusa Penida, officials spoke to the media about their plans to designate the island as a National Tourism Strategic Area (KPSN). This is significant news for Nusa Penida, as it would result in a substantial increase in funding. These much-needed funds will contribute to the local economy and enhance the quality of life for the residents.
Moreover, the investment in making Nusa Penida a KPSN will lead to the improvement of tourism infrastructure on the island, making it more convenient and comfortable for visitors to enjoy the island life.
The Regent of Klungkung, I Nyoman Suwirta, acknowledged the concerns raised by tourists and travel operators and pledged to address the necessary improvements. He emphasized that the collaborative effort of the regency is required to address issues such as road infrastructure, congestion, clean water, and electricity to maintain Nusa Penida as a world-renowned tourism destination.
Officials visited popular tourist spots on Nusa Penida, including Kelingking Beach, Pasih Uug, and Angel Billabong, to assess where and how improvements could be made for tourists. They also reviewed plans for a new bridge connecting the neighboring islands of Nusa Ceningan and Nusa Lembongan.
Kelingking Beach and its clifftop are the most famous landmarks on Nusa Penida, offering breathtaking views and a precarious walkway down to the beach. Unfortunately, there have been several tragic incidents in recent months, such as tourists being swept out to sea from Kelingking Beach and Diamond Beach, as well as falls from cliff edges at Broken Beach and injuries at Angel’s Billabong. In response, officials on the island are committed to enhancing safety measures, including the installation of safety barriers and increased signage to guide tourists on safe exploration.
During the media address, Regent Suwirta expressed gratitude to the Deputy Minister of National Development Planning for personally witnessing the situation in Nusa Penida and offering support to the island. The move to designate Nusa Penida as a National Tourism Strategic Area has received full support from the central government, indicating that progress will be made in a timely manner.
Deputy Minister of National Development Planning, Ervan Maksum, pledged the central government’s assistance in accelerating tourism development in Nusa Penida. He expressed support for improving water, road, and waste management infrastructure, which may not be glamorous but are crucial for providing a high-quality tourism experience. Maksum emphasized the need for coordination among stakeholders in addressing road and embankment infrastructure issues and ensuring access to clean water for everyone in the future.
