Pangandaran Beach That Went Viral For Dismantling Finally Closed, Open Again Sometime

JAKARTA - The Department of Tourism and Culture (Disparbud) West Java (Jabar) stated that tourist attractions in the Batu Karas area, Pandandaran Regency were decided to be closed from Sunday 16 May until an indefinite time.

This step is a response of the Pangandaran District Government to the release of visitors without health protocols.

"For the closure of Batu Karas tourist attractions starting on Sunday, at 00.00 WIB later until an indefinite time. And this is the result of a coordination meeting between us and (Disparbud, red.) Pangandaran Regency," said the Head of West Java Tourism and Culture Office, Dedi Taufik, in Bandung, quoted from Antara, Sunday, May 16.

He said in the meeting it has also been decided that there will be a sealing in kalipucang area and at pangandaran gate, strictly. It is at the same time to control the arrival of tourists.

Other efforts, said Dedi, held a rapid test of COVID-19 antigen in a number of tourist destinations that became tourist destinations. Based on reports and monitoring in a number of tourist attractions, especially in Batu Karas Beach, there has been a significant increase in visits.

In fact, not a few visitors ignore health protocols. They are seen not wearing masks. Joint officers dispersed visitors to the beach. Joint police and TNI personnel turned back hundreds of vehicles about to enter the tourist area.

"So the level of visits is indeed high. It's a response that needs to be done right away. We understand this holiday moment people want to visit tourist attractions, but still have to remember that health protocols are very important, because it is still in a pandemic atmosphere," he said.

Therefore, it was forced to temporarily close tourist attractions in Batu Karas.

"We will do a 'rapid test' of antigens. Hopefully when testing later covid-19 cases do not increase significantly," he said.