New Honorary Consulate to Be Established in Bali to Support Tourists
Bali is set to welcome a new honorary consulate, aimed at providing consular support to foreign nationals visiting or residing on the island. This development was initiated following a recent meeting between Bali Governor Wayan Koster and the Georgian Ambassador to Indonesia, Tornike Nozadze.
Meeting Highlights and Purpose
Governor Wayan Koster expressed his enthusiasm about the prospect of opening an honorary consulate in Bali during discussions with Ambassador Nozadze. Unlike full consulates or embassies staffed by career diplomats, an honorary consulate is headed by an honorary consul — typically a local private citizen who represents the interests of another country without diplomatic immunity. These consuls assist fellow nationals by providing various services such as processing passports, ID cards, and driver’s licenses issued abroad. They may also serve as official witnesses for signing documents.
Ambassador Nozadze highlighted the difficulty faced by Georgian nationals in Bali who currently lack direct consular support, as the Georgian Embassy is based in Jakarta. He noted the significant presence of Georgians on the island, citing over 30,000 visitors and the establishment of Georgian businesses in sectors including construction and hospitality.
Official Statements
Governor Koster stated, “Thank you for the visit, Georgian Ambassador. I will try to help and ask someone to find a representative location to support the plan to help establish an honorary consulate in Bali.”
Ambassador Nozadze responded positively, emphasizing the cultural and economic ties between Georgia and Bali: “Many Georgians come to Bali, and a number of Georgian companies have established their presence here, both in the construction and restaurant sectors. Bali is a valuable treasure for Indonesia and is well known among the Georgian people.”
Importance for Tourists and Residents
The establishment of an honorary consulate in Bali will provide essential consular services closer to where many foreign nationals live and travel. Tourists and expatriates using such facilities can expect easier access to official documentation and support during emergencies.
Currently, many embassies are located in Jakarta, with only a limited number of countries operating consulates on Bali, including Thailand, the Netherlands, the United States, Denmark, China, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic. Australia’s Consulate General is located in Denpasar’s Renon area.
Travel Advice for Visitors
Given recent political demonstrations and natural disaster risks across Indonesia, travelers are advised to stay informed about security conditions. The Australian government’s travel advisory bureau, Smartraveler, recently warned about large protests in major cities, including Denpasar, Bali. Visitors are urged to avoid demonstrations and maintain a high level of caution throughout their stay.
Level 2 warnings, advising vigilance due to security risks, are currently in place for Bali and much of Indonesia. More severe travel advisories apply to certain provinces such as Papua, urging travelers to reconsider non-essential visits due to potential violent incidents.
Conclusion
The forthcoming honorary consulate will mark a significant step forward in enhancing support for the growing number of international visitors and residents in Bali. It reflects Bali’s ongoing appeal as a global tourist destination and highlights the government’s commitment to strengthening international cooperation and safety on the island.
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