Indonesia Tourism: Are We Ready to Reopen Some Tourist Destinations?

At the time of publication, the ministry has yet released the selected tourist attractions although some places have already been proposed. Here below is the list of proposed tourist spots for reopening:

Jakarta
Taman Impian Jaya Ancol
Taman Mini Indonesia Indah

Central Java
Grand Maerakaca Taman Mini
Taman Wisata Candi (TWC) Borobudur
TWC Prambanan
Taman Satwa Taru Jurug

East Java
Taman Rekreasi Selecta
Jatim Park 2
Maharani Zoo
Gua Malang Night Paradise
Museum Ganesya

Meanwhile, some tourist destinations located in the alert level 2 areas are allowed to reopen under strict health protocols and use the contact tracing app. They can operate at 25 percent capacity.

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The tourist destinations under this category include hiking and trekking tours in Mount Prau in Central Java, Mount Gede-Pangrango in West Java, Mount Bromo in East Java, as well as outdoor activities in Pamekasan, East Java and the Karimunjawa National Park in Jepara regency, Central Java.

Apart from the requirement of using the contact tracing app at public places, such as tourist attractions, people are required to wear masks, including when in common facilities, keep appropriate social distance with others and stay at home when feeling unwell. 

The Covid-19 level 2 to level 4 restrictions on public activities, which was previously known as the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB), has been changed several times, especially in its restrictions related to activity and people’s mobility.

A stricter policy was implemented when Jokowi announced the emergency Covid-19 measures (PPKM darurat) which took effect from July 3-20 this year following a surge in Covid-19 cases. At that time, the increasing number of new confirmed cases was not supported by the improvement of health facilities or hospitals, which then led to a high death rate.

The trial runs for the reopening of some of tourist attractions must be well-prepared. All relevant government ministries and agencies, private sector and the public must work closely to monitor the program. It's good that visitors are attracted to come but at the same time efforts to avoid new infections must also be done. If a tourist destination becomes the source of outbreak, we can't afford the impact of the Covid-19 surge.

Source: Kompas.com