Prepare for Extreme Weather during Holidays: Indonesian Minister

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno urges tourists to anticipate extreme weather at several tourist destinations during this year’s holiday season.

"Tourists must anticipate and be careful, prioritize safety, and continue to coordinate with local authorities and ensure that their visits are safe, comfortable, and enjoyable," Sandiaga said after attending a limited cabinet meeting at the Presidential Palace on Monday, Dec. 26.

The government has observed extreme weather, such as high waves and rainfall exceeding predictions, among others, at several leading tourist destinations, he said.

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He said tourists should coordinate with officials and related parties to anticipate extreme weather.

The minister further said that the government made preparations for the holidays with around 44–45 million tourist trips forecast during the period.

The government is also monitoring the increasing trend of visits to economic centers.

Sandiaga said that the government has also called on all committees of year-end events, especially music concerts, to pay attention to the safety and security aspects and the implementation of health protocols.

"So that the events can run smoothly and can drive the economy and open up business opportunities and jobs for many people who now need economic stimulation, especially the economies in priority tourism areas," he added.

To accommodate tourists, whose number is expected to increase toward the end of the year, President Joko Widodo has instructed Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi to add flight slots.

Minister Sandiaga said that flight slots will be added at some major airports, such as Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (CGK), I Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport (DPS), Juanda International Airport (SUB), Yogyakarta International Airport (YIA), and Kualanamu International Airport (KNO).

Apart from that, slots at tourist destinations would also be increased.