By: Putu Raditya )*
The Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU) will be held in Bali at the end of March 2022. This forum is eagerly awaited by the community, especially residents on the Island of the Gods, because it can boost their economy which has been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic has almost collapsed various sectors in Indonesia, such as the economy, health, and tourism. The economic downturn made many people withhold money and only buy basic necessities. In fact, in areas like Bali, the tourism economy is the main thing because it is the main source of livelihood, so that during a pandemic, the lives of its citizens fluctuate.
The government is trying to improve the economic sector on the Island of the Gods by holding events there, including the Inter Parliamentary Union (IPU). This international event was held in Bali because the people there understand English. Also at the same time as an effort to revive the local economy.
The Chairperson of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, directly observed the IPU preparations in Bali. On that occasion, he stated that the IPU is very good for improving the economic sector, especially the tourism economy. In a sense, this event is very good because it can make the people of Bali get income again.
During the preparation of the IPU, there was already an economic movement in Bali, because there were various projects to make it a success. For example road repairs, making parking lots, to nature conservation in Kintamani. All definitely need workers and automatically reduce the unemployment rate in Bali. Those who are unemployed because their sales are low can switch to work on the project.
In addition, when the IPU was held, the hotel occupancy rate in Bali also increased, because the delegates came from more than 100 countries. They are placed in representative hotels and hoteliers are happy because the occupancy has increased dramatically. They welcome guests with pleasure.
Not only hotel entrepreneurs, catering entrepreneurs also got splashed with sustenance because during the event, they would need various dishes for delegates from IPU participating countries. They are happy because the orders are in large quantities, so the profit is quite high.
The tourism economy also rose because delegates from IPU member countries might think about extending their visit and taking a short vacation in Bali. They definitely spend money, whether for hotels, food, transportation costs, etc. So that it can increase the economy of the people on the Island of the Gods.
The delegates are also usually active on social media and upload photos and videos, thus indirectly promoting Bali to the people of their country. That way, there will be more tourist visits on the Island of the Gods. Foreign tourists will enjoy the exoticism of Bali because they are sure of its safety.
Moreover, the delegates pointed out that tourism in Bali is very safe even though it is still a pandemic. The reason is because people have been vaccinated even with a booster. In addition, hotels, cafes, and other places also comply with health protocols and all employees wear masks. So it will not form a new corona cluster from the tourism sector.
The IPU in Bali benefits Indonesia because it can be a venue for hearings with many delegates from other countries, so that it will start various investment projects. In addition, by becoming the organizer of the IPU, Indonesia will be known to be more flexible in international relations.
The implementation of the IPU on the Island of the Gods is very profitable from an economic point of view, because it will reduce unemployment and increase hotel and food orders for delegates from participating countries. In addition, IPU can also promote Bali as a safe place to travel in the midst of a pandemic. Everyone prepared this event well to run smoothly.
)* The author is a contributor to the Press Circle and Cikini Students
