Jakarta, IO – The government of Klungkung regency, Bali, has banned visitors from swimming at three beaches in Nusa Penida – Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach and Angel Billabong – effective today, reported Merdeka, Friday (13/1).
The ban came after two tourists were reportedly missing after being swept away by the current when they were swimming.
Klungkung Police Chief I Nengah Sadiarta said the ban was decided in a limited coordination meeting of the Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkompinda) on Thursday (12/1).
Even though swimming is banned, Sadiarta said visits to the beaches are still permitted.
“For how will the ban last? It will be up to the local government to decide based on the situations,” said Sadiarta.
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With regard to the missing tourists, Sadiarta said that there is an information board in English warning against swimming at the beaches. However, because there are no beach supervisors on duty, the tourists may have felt emboldened to take risks.
He said more beach supervisors will be assigned to the beaches, in addition to installation of safety facilities such as flags, warning boards, CCTV, security fences, sirens and monitoring towers. (un)