COVID19
There is no denying that every country has been hit hard by the COVID19 Pandemic. Although Bali has not had large reported numbers of people contract the virus, the island has been devastated economically. Bali heavily relies on international tourism. Now with hotels, tourist attractions, shops, spas and restaurants either temporarily closed or with few guests unemployment has surged. Although the Indonesian government is trying to help its 270 million people, until now only a assistance payment of RP600,000 (USD 40) has been approved for full time registered workers. The heads of local villages in Bali are giving food rations which usually lasts a couple of days for families. There is no government funded unemployment support system in Indonesia so families must take care of themselves. We estimate that the large majority of Balinese (4.2 million) are struggling without any income since March.
Policies implemented by the government to reduce the virus spread include compulsory social distancing, wearing of face masks outside and to work and stay at home whenever possible. Schools are closed.
On the positive side, Bali has an amazing sense of community. We have been inspired at seeing so many responses to Covid-19 in Bali, aimed at helping the people out of work and to help the communities contain the virus. Both locals and expats have joined together for this cause.
Being that our location is in Ubud, we are particularly concerned with the assistance that can be given to those in need in this area. Continue reading to find out how you can help too.
Solemen
Bisma Cottages is already a long time supporter of Solemen who help disadvantaged people in Bali. This can include those suffering due to a long term illness, disability, accident, birth defect, mental illness and more. Currently Solemen have over 2,000 people they support with food packages which must continue.
See how you can help Solemen – https://www.solemen.org/
Feed Bali
Adi and Frances own a Balinese Cooking School called Tresna Bali Cooking School that we absolutely love. When the effect of COVID 19 started affecting Bali in March they started making fresh food care package for families. They further support the local population buying directly from farmers and rice farmers in Bali. Since March 28, Feed Bali has distributed to 455 Families directly to their home in over 100 Banjars, sometimes in very remote villages. Give USD 30 to support one family 2 adults and 2 kids for 2 weeks this includes uncooked rice in 5kg packages, 2 litre oil and 1 kg sugar.
See how you can help Feed Bali – https://www.facebook.com/tresnabalicookingschool/
BALI C19 SOLIDARITY GROUP
This was a Facebook group formed by a local expat to gather a group of people working together in solidarity to support one another and the broader society in Bali during the COVID-19 crisis, through proactive initiatives on the ground. This group has grown to over 2000 locals and expats who are now working on several different initiatives, each of which have their own task force:
See how you can help other COVID19 Bali Initiatives – https://balisolidarity.org/#directory
Crisis Kitchen
Crisis Kitchen Bali was born from one of our dear friends simple idea to give food to those in need. Volunteers and generous donations are making a real difference to the families who have been left struggling to survive in Bali.Along with distributing over 200 care packs a day, they also cook 200 meals – supporting local warungs or by the Crisis Kitchen Team …sadly sometimes that still isn’t enough.
Every donation goes straight to helping the people of Bali. The elderly, children, disadvantaged and disabled. A single dollar is powerful enough to give a meal to someone who may not have eaten in days. A little more can sustain a family for up to a week.
With your donation along with the volunteers time and energy, thousands of people in Bali lives can be changed each week. Every little bit helps.
See how you can help Crisis Kitchen https://www.facebook.com/crisiskitchenbali/