Attention Brothers! All Gunungkidul Attractions Closed From 3-20 July

GUNUNGKIDUL - The Government of Gunungkidul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta, will temporarily close all tourist attractions in the region starting from July 3-20 to anticipate a spike in COVID-19 cases.

Secretary of the Gunungkidul Tourism Office Harry Sukmoni in Gunung Kidul, Thursday, said that in accordance with the Emergency Community Activity Restriction (PPKM), the Tourism Office plans to temporarily close all tourist attractions from Saturday, July 3 to Tuesday, July 20.

"We have coordinated with all stakeholders, before there was a policy to close this tourist attraction," said Harry, quoted by Antara, Thursday, July 1.

He said that after President Joko Widodo's announcement of the Emergency PPKM this afternoon, his party immediately coordinated with tourism actors and the village government that manages tourism objects to prepare for the closure plan. Currently, his party together with the Gunungkidul Regency Government are drafting a policy on the closure plan, which will be contained in a decision from the regent.

"There is a decision based on this law that can be obeyed, and has sanctions considering. So if there is a tourist attraction that is still open, it is the responsibility of the tourism actor," he said.

Harry Sukmono admitted that since the implementation of the COVID-19 free certificate by showing the antigen results to tourists, the number of visits has dropped dramatically. The officers also did not hesitate to ask tourists who could not show that they were free from COVID-19 and were immediately asked to turn back, even if they were from far away.

Based on data from the officer's report, on Tuesday (29/6) the number of tourists who visited was around 1,289 people, Wednesday (30/6) only 597 people visited tourist destinations.

"We have no problem with the absence of income from tourism PAD, the most important thing is mental health and safety. What is clear is that this is for the good of all during this pandemic so that control is maximized," he said.

In the last month in Gunungkidul Regency there has been a spike in the number of cases. Daily addition of more than 150 cases per day, and the peak on Wednesday (30/7) was 311 cases. This is very concerning, so it is deemed necessary to take quick steps to suppress the rate of increase in COVID-19.