Gunungkidul Regency Government Allows Tourists To Camp In Tourist Attractions, As Long As Don't Party With Fireworks

GUNUNGKIDUL - The Government of Gunungkidul Regency, Yogyakarta Special Region, allows tourists to camp at tourist attractions on condition that they do not hold fireworks or other activities that have the potential to cause crowds and cause the spread of COVID-19.

"Based on the instructions of the Minister of Home Affairs, tourist attractions are not closed on New Year's Eve 2022, but there should be no celebrations such as fireworks and cultural arts activities that have the potential to cause crowds", said Secretary of the Gunungkidul Tourism Office, Harry Sukmono, as quoted by Antara on Friday, December 31.

He said that Tourism Office received a letter of application from the manager of HeHa Sky View in Patuk, which will hold a dinner. The manager of HeHa Sky View asked for permission for the dinner to last until 00.30 WIB.

"We give permission, on condition that the duration of the event is shortened, according to government regulations, which is until 21.00 WIB", he said.

Harry said an advisory had been given to all tourism actors regarding the ban on New Year's celebration activities. They are also asked to carry out surveillance, together with the local task force.

He also said a joint team from the Gunungkidul Regency Government would carry out monitoring around the area. The activity will start at 19.00 WIB tonight.

"Tourist sites may also be the target of monitoring", said Harry.

Meanwhile, Head of the Tourism Awareness Group (Pokdarwis) Nglanggeran, Mursidi, said camping activities at Ancient Volcano were still allowed. It's just that the capacity remains limited.

The maximum capacity is only 30 tents at the top of the Ancient Volcano, 20 tents at Embung Nglanggeran, and 20 tents at Kedung Kandang Waterfall. The position of the tent must also be erected spread out.

"Camping activities are permitted by the Gunungkidul COVID-19 Task Force as long as there are no celebrations such as bringing or lighting fireworks", he said.