Inp.polri.go.id - Denpasar. The popular Monkey Forest tourist site in Gianyar, Bali, has been temporarily closed following a tree collapse caused by extreme weather on Tuesday that killed two foreign tourists.

“The closure is necessary to ensure visitor safety. We’re assessing the situation and will reopen once conditions are deemed safe,” said Tjok Bagus Pemayun, the Head of Bali Tourism Agency on Wednesday (11/12/2024).

Authorities have cordoned off the affected area with police tape, and there is no timeline yet for reopening, according to antaranews.com. 

Pemayun emphasized the importance of readiness, particularly with the upcoming holiday season, including Christmas 2024 and New Year 2025.

In response to the fatal incident, the site’s management has begun disaster mitigation efforts, including assessing tree conditions to prevent future accidents. 

Pemayun urged all tourism operators to maintain cleanliness and provide updates to visitors about weather conditions, ensuring preparedness during Bali’s transitional weather season.

The fallen tree resulted in two fatalities involving foreign tourists, with one other injured person receiving full medical support from the site’s insurance coverage. 

“The management is covering all medical expenses, ensuring affected individuals are well cared for,” Pemayun said, as reported by antaranews.com.

(mg/inp/pr/nm)