Banyuwangi To Host The 2021 World Surfing League, Luhut: Hopefully COVID-19 Has Decreased

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan supports Banyuwangi as the host of the World Surf League (WSL) which is planned to be held in July 2021.

According to Luhut, Banyuwangi still has approximately one year to prepare for the WSL event. One of them is reducing the number of positive new cases of COVID-19.

"We hope that at that time there will be less COVID-19. So that more people will come to Indonesia," he said, in a written statement received by VOI, Thursday, July 30.

Plengkung Beach or better known as G-land, which is located in the Alas Purwo National Park, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, will be used as the location for the 2021 WSL.

Luhut said, Plengkung beach waves have a height of 6 to 8 meters and a length of two kilometers (Km), making it a mandatory destination for surfers. In fact, the waves of Plengkung Beach are in second place after Hawaii for the category of the seven best waves in the world.

Not only that, according to Luhut, the success of handling COVID-19 in Banyuwangi must be maintained. It is hoped that this success can support the recovery of local tourism. In this area, there are 55 positive cases out of a total population of 1.7 million and 44 people have recovered.

Furthermore, Luhut said, the cure rate for COVID-19 in Banyuwangi was very good, almost 80 percent. This information is important for future investors and tourists.

"Why is Banyuwangi good, because in my opinion, Pak Anas as the Regent of Banyuwangi is able to collaborate and not work individually, so it is more efficient. Economy and COVID-19 are interrelated. If handling COVID-19 is good, then the economy is good. too, "he said.

Luhut assessed that COVID-19 also had a positive impact on Indonesia, namely making everyone carry out reforms in various fields of life, one of which was the health sector. Now Indonesia can export PPE, a domestic-made rapid test kit initiated by BPPT, and the COVID-19 vaccine has entered phase three clinical trials.

"I entrust it not to get bored so that we follow health protocols, always keep our distance, wash our hands, wear a mask. I beg you to have this vaccine, we all need to be careful, the important thing is to exercise, eat healthy food, get enough sleep, and think positively, "he said.

In addition to implementing health protocols for himself, Luhut also reminded each other not to crowd in public places and appreciate efforts to prevent the spread of this pandemic.

"In Jakarta, the demonstration they knew or not had the impact they could create a new cluster. Try to hold back first because we also both refrain from going out," he said.