In an interview with news.com.au, Ms. Marthini conveyed that Australians have always been and will continue to be welcome in Indonesia. However, she urged them to be mindful and not misuse the renowned Indonesian hospitality. She emphasized the importance of tourists familiarizing themselves with their destination, whether in Indonesia or elsewhere.

Highlighting specific guidelines, Mrs. Marthini mentioned that tourists should avoid wearing bikinis in temples and always wear helmets when riding motorbikes. She elaborated, “If you ride a motorbike, just as in Australia, you should have a helmet and a license for your safety as well as that of other motorists.” Similarly, she added, “If you visit a temple, akin to visiting a church or a mosque, dress respectfully.”

Mrs. Marthini acknowledged that while there have been instances of tourists behaving inappropriately in Bali, the responsibility doesn’t lie solely with the visitors. She expressed that perhaps they hadn’t adequately informed tourists of their expectations in the past.

A Mutual Understanding
Indonesia’s outreach to Australian tourists is not just about diversifying tourism but also about fostering mutual respect and understanding. As Indonesia opens its doors wider to tourists, it hopes that visitors will reciprocate by respecting its rich culture, traditions, and laws.