SARS Haunts Entrepreneurs

Of the many events that have attacked our land, especially Bali, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)) has become a frightening problem for entrepreneurs. This disease has really shocked businesspeople, especially those involved in the tourism industry. Drs. Panudiana Kuhn, MBA, speaking at the recent National Convention of the Indonesian Entrepreneurs Association at the Sahid Hotel, Kuta, said that the condition of the industry in Bali would not be suffering so badly, despite the bombing in Bali and the American Invasion of Iraq.
He showed that 3 months after the bombing, tourism had started to recover with hotel occupancy levels above 40%. Also, places of interest, dances and arts centers had been visited by many tourists, indicating that tourists were beginning to come back to Bali. But this condition was not to last; the ‘devil’ named SARS arrived. This disease, which comes from Guangdong, China, has spread to everywhere including Indonesia, though fortunately there have been no victims in Bali.
Every tourist who comes to Indonesia is checked individually, including the participants of the PATA conference that was held in Bali recently. Each visitor must also complete a medical report. People are afraid to travel, as there is no cure for this disease.
So tourism in Bali is in shock again, with hotel occupancy levels decreasing significantly. Entrepreneurs are feeling the great and terrific effect of SARS as much as with previous events. New markets such as China, Taiwan, and Korea have collapsed. ‘This really is a heavy blow,’ said Panudiana.
The National Convention from 13th –14th May was presented by 18 managers of the Regional Directors’ Board from 28 managers around Indonesia. The National Convention finally chose Sofyan Wanandy to be the Central Council Director of Apindo (Indonesian Entrepreneur Association), who will lead until 2008. (BTN/013)