The Tourist Minibus Accident Buleleng that claimed five lives has prompted an official response from Bali’s Travel Agency Association (ASITA). Following an internal investigation, ASITA Bali confirms none of its members handled the Chinese tourist group involved in the tragic minibus accident in Sukasada, Buleleng.
The incident occurred last Friday when a Toyota Hiace carrying 13 Chinese tourists plunged into a ravine. While eight passengers survived with injuries, five unfortunately lost their lives in one of Bali’s most severe road accidents this year.
ASITA Bali Chairman Putu Winastra expressed deep concern about the impact of such incidents on Bali’s tourism reputation. “The Tourist Minibus Accident Buleleng involved neither an official driver nor a licensed travel agent,” Winastra stated. “This highlights the urgent need for better tourism industry governance, particularly regarding travel agent operations.”
The association is now pushing for stricter regulations requiring all foreign and online-based travel agents to partner with local licensed operators. “We insist that ASITA member agencies become mandatory partners for all international tour operators, especially those selling Bali packages,” emphasized Winastra, who also serves as Honorary Consul of Kazakhstan in Bali.
Following the Tourist Minibus Accident Buleleng, ASITA’s China Committee verified that the travel agent handling the affected tourist group wasn’t an ASITA member. This finding strengthens the association’s push for legal mandates requiring foreign tour operators to collaborate with licensed local partners.
While reaffirming their commitment to working with authorities, Winastra noted that some operators continue to bypass existing regulations, including Bali’s Regional Regulation No. 5/2020 on Tourism Standards.
“The Tourist Minibus Accident Buleleng underscores why we’re urging the government to require all online and foreign operators to obtain proper permits and ASITA membership,” Winastra concluded, emphasizing that illegal operations ultimately damage Bali’s tourism reputation.
Reported and written by Ferry Fadly, Bali Today journalists
