When Jakarta, Banten, And West Java Close Tourist Attractions After Tourists Booming

JAKARTA - The density of visitors in several tourist attractions makes three provinces close several tourist sites in the area, namely DKI Jakarta, Banten, and West Java.

In the capital, the Department of Tourism and Creative Economy decided to close three tourist attractions Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Ragunan Wildlife Park, and Taman Mini Indonesia Indah (TMII) on May 16-17, 2021.

This is a follow-up to the rise of crowds of people who travel during the Eid holidays. Then, the tourist area in Jakarta will be re-opened on May 18, 2021.

Head of the DKI Jakarta Tourism and Creative Economy Office, Gumilar Ekalaya, urged the management of tourist attractions and the public not to loosen health protocols during the Eid holiday. Thus, there is no spike in positive cases of COVID-19 in the capital.

"It needs to work together. Hopefully, in the future, both tourist attractions managers and the public, are not lost in implementing health protocols. We will continue to evaluate in terms of the opening of tourism places in Jakarta", Gumilar said in his statement.

In West Java, Governor Ridwan Kamil decided to close four tourist attractions. Tourist attractions in Batu Karas, Pangandaran Regency are closed from Sunday, May 16 until an undetermined time.

Based on the results of reports and monitoring in several tourist destinations, especially Batu Karas Beach, tourists who visited increased significantly. The joint officers dispersed visitors and turned around the vehicles that were about to enter Batu Karas Beach.

"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", said Head of Tourism and Culture Office West Java Dedi Taufik in his statement.

In addition to Batu Karas, three tourist attractions that are closed are Pasir Jambu, Ciwidey, and Ranca Bali will also be temporarily closed.

"In connection with the instruction from the Palace through the Governor of West Java by phone, regarding the tourist attractions PACIRA (Pasir Jambu, Ciwidey, Ranca Bali) with great regret, temporarily closed, while looking at the developing situation", said Bandung Regent Dadang Supriatna.

West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil asked his ranks to close the road access to tourist attractions in Pangandaran and Ciwidey. Passing vehicles are requested to turn around.

"Pangandaran and access to Ciwidey agreed to be closed to tourists. I appeal to the community, especially travelers and tourists, to turn around because Pangandaran and Ciwidey will be closed", said Ridwan Kamil.

The man who is familiarly called Kang Emil said, other tourist attractions besides the four closed locations, such as the Puncak and Lembang areas, are still under control.

Nevertheless, society must adapt and refrain. Most importantly today, said Kang Emil, West Java residents should put family health first, both at home and hometown.

"Patience is important in the face of hardship in times of pandemic. That is patience facing the prohibition of homecoming restrictions, as well as the implementation of Eid al-Fitr, which may be uncomfortable, but that is the essence of the test and the essence of the exercise of patience", he said.

Then in Banten Province, Banten Governor Wahidin Halim temporarily closed all tourist destinations from May 15-30, 2021.

It is stated in the Instruction of the Governor of Banten Number 556/901-DISPAR/2021 concerning the Temporary Closure of Tourist Destinations Impact of Eid Al-Fitr Holiday in 2021 in Banten Province.

The decision to close tourist attractions in Banten due to tourist visits has caused insecurity of health protocol violations.