Omicron Variant Goes Crazy, Sandiaga Uno Asks People To Refrain From Going Abroad: Even Figure Like Helmy Yahya Cancels His Visit To Foreign Affairs

JAKARTA - The case of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 continues to increase in the country. The transmission of this new variant is more from foreign travelers. The development of this case will have an impact on the tourism sector. Therefore, people are asked to refrain from going abroad and traveling in Indonesia only.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno reminded the public to refrain from going abroad if there was no urgent need. This is to anticipate the surge in Omicron cases in the country.

"We continue to urge our people not to go abroad first," he said at the 'Weekly Press Briefing', Monday, January 10.

According to Sandiaga, many figures have canceled their overseas trips because of the development of the Omicron case. In addition, Sandiaga invites people to travel in Indonesia only.

"Figures such as Helmi Yahya and other figures canceled their overseas visits due to the outbreak of Omicron. We give clear directions, if there is no urgent need, traveling in Indonesia is a priority," he said.

Sandiaga regrets that there are still many people who continue to travel abroad. He admitted that he was concerned that they were exposed to Omicron when they arrived in the country.

"However, there are still some of our relatives who travel abroad and return (to the country), and we are very concerned about being exposed to the Omicron virus," he said.

For your information, until January 8, 2022, the number exposed to Omicron reached 414 people. This figure increases the vigilance of the Indonesian government towards foreign visits.

"We are increasing vigilance, especially at the entrance. There are 14 countries whose citizens are prohibited from entering Indonesia. The government will convey our final position today," he said.

Omicron impacts the tourism sector

Sandiaga Uno admitted that Indonesian tourism was again affected by the new variant of COVID-19, Omicron. Even so, Sandiaga ensured that various tourism events and activities continued.

"The Omicron case will have an impact on our tourism, and of course we must anticipate and mitigate this. But the show must go on," he said.

Sandiaga also ensured that Indonesia was ready to hold various planned activities according to schedule. Like for example MotoGP in Mandalika. Likewise with tourism and other creative economic activities.

Furthermore, Sandiaga emphasized that these various events would be carried out while still prioritizing strict COVID-19 health protocols.

"We will prepare the event and make sure Indonesia is ready, ready to continue to hold it by adapting health protocols," he said.