Although the ongoing wiretapping row between Australia and Indonesia is straining bilateral relations, Bali Governor Made Mangku Pastika hopes it will not have a damaging impact on tourism to the island. We hope this issue can be resolved quickly but the nation’s interests are of paramount importance,” he said. The former Bali police chief said he hoped tourist areas would not be affected by the difficulties but the nation’s security and vital interests could not be ignored. He pointed out that for a number of years Australia had been among the top three countries sending tourists to Bali. In itself a good indication of bilateral relations so the current controversy over spying allegations should not have a lasting impact on tourism to the island. The Governor added other aspects of the bilateral relationship were potentially also at stake, including an agreement that Australia would provide US$ 3 million in funding assistance for Indera Hospital, Denpasar.
