BALINEWSID.COM, BADUNG – Badung Regency is strengthening its commitment to developing quality and sustainable tourism while addressing traffic congestion and misinformation about Bali circulating on social media.

Badung Regent I Wayan Adi Arnawa made the statement during a meeting with the Bali chapter of Nawa Cita Pariwisata Indonesia (NCPI) and former Governor-General of Australia David Hurley at the Badung Government Center on July 28.

The strategic meeting focused on strengthening investment, promoting sustainable tourism, improving transportation infrastructure, addressing traffic congestion, and countering misinformation that could affect Bali’s image as a tourist destination.

Adi Arnawa stressed that economic growth driven by tourism must go hand in hand with environmental protection and the preservation of Balinese culture.

“We do not want development to damage the environment. Therefore, future infrastructure must be designed with environmental considerations in mind to create quality tourism,” Adi Arnawa said.

He said the Badung administration is accelerating the development of integrated and environmentally friendly transportation infrastructure to tackle chronic traffic congestion in the region.

According to Adi Arnawa, the government is taking strategic measures to improve connectivity and develop public transportation rather than allowing congestion to undermine Bali’s tourism sector.

He also called for cooperation with the Australian side to counter misleading information and hoaxes about Bali circulating on social media.

“We hope for cooperation in conveying the facts that Bali remains a safe and comfortable destination to visit,” he said.

The regent also expressed appreciation for Australian tourists, who have long contributed to Bali’s tourism industry.

Adi Arnawa said Bali’s economic prosperity is closely linked to tourism rooted in its cultural heritage. He stressed that the tourism ecosystem, environment and local culture must be protected as development continues.

Meanwhile, former Australian Governor-General David Hurley said Bali remains one of the favorite destinations for Australian travelers.

Hurley said the Australian government continues to educate its citizens through the SmartTraveller system, encouraging them to respect Balinese culture, comply with local regulations and observe community norms while visiting the island.

“Australia loves Bali. Through SmartTraveller, we continue to encourage Australians to respect Balinese culture, follow local rules and respect local norms,” Hurley said.

He added that Australia wants its citizens to behave as responsible and respectful guests while visiting Bali.

The Australian side also welcomed the Badung administration’s efforts to improve tourism infrastructure and said it was ready to support the dissemination of accurate, fact-based travel information.

“We always update travel information accurately and based on facts. We are ready to support and communicate the actual situation on the ground so that there is no misinformation about tourism in Bali,” Hurley said.

The meeting was also attended by Badung Tourism Agency Head AA. Putri Mas Agung, Education, Youth and Sports Agency Head I Gusti Made Dwipayana, Environment and Sanitation Agency Head Made Rai Warastuthi, and Head of the Badung Regional Secretariat’s Cooperation Division Ida Ayu Yutri Indahgustari.