Rampant Action On Terror, How Does It Affect The Tourism Sector?

Illustration. (Photo: Unsplash)

JAKARTA - Some time ago, the country was stirred up by a number of acts of terrorism which claimed lives. This action will have an effect on a sense of security. Meanwhile, in the recovery or recovery of national tourism after the COVID-19 epidemic, a sense of security is important.

Then, what is the impact of acts of terror that occurred in the country on the tourism sector? Tourism observer Taufan Rahmadi reminded that a sense of security in preparing for the recovery of national tourism after the COVID-19 epidemic is very important. Therefore, he asked the government, in this case Kemenparekraf, to create a sense of security in destination areas.

Furthermore, he said, it was not enough to deploy the tourism police to create a sense of security. Taufan hopes that this security factor will be more enhanced than usual. This is because the tourism sector is one of the largest sources of state revenue.

According to Taufan, apart from being the main source of state income, the tourism sector is becoming increasingly important considering that damage to tourism can have a negative effect on other sectors that affect the lives of many people.

For example, said Taufan, surveillance cameras or CCTV must be increased in quantity. Especially in the five priority tourist destinations that President Joko Widodo is fighting for as an effort to restore Indonesian tourism.

"The first step, I think is immediate and important for security authorities to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, to increase the sense of security in tourist destinations. The rest involves elements of society from the lowest to the top ranks. We cannot be cheated again by the slightest act of terror," he said in his official statement, quoted on Tuesday, April 6.

Indonesia is safe for tourists to visit

The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, admitted that he had visited tourist destinations to ensure security after a series of acts of terror that occurred in the country.

"To convince the market that Indonesia is still safe, seeing is believing. I came to tourist destinations myself and we prove that the country is present, the state is firm, the state is not afraid," he said in a virtual press conference, Monday, April 5.

Sandi, his nickname, said that currently his party invited all to join hands optimistically to raise the tourism sector and the creative economy and increase vigilance.

After the series of terror incidents that occurred, Sandi said that the government had further strengthened coordination with the security forces, especially the National Police, regarding the handling of the problem. This is because the issue is very strategic and fundamental.

Regarding the impact on the tourism sector and the creative economy, Sandi admits that he is still studying it. Because, it really depends on security stability.

"I want to expressly say here that we should not be afraid or afraid of acts of terror that occur, do not be afraid, because people's fear is the goal of terrorists," he said.

According to Sandi, collaboration with the authorities is also being encouraged by echoing the message that Indonesia is safe for tourists to visit, especially domestic tourists. This includes increasing preparedness to prevent other terrors from occurring.

As is well known, two acts of terrorism occurred again in the near future, namely at the Makassar Cathedral Church and the National Police Headquarters. Apart from the suspected terrorists who died on the spot, fortunately there were no other fatalities in the two incidents.

The first act of terror was a suicide bombing at the Makassar Cathedral, South Sulawesi, Sunday, March 28. The action was carried out by a married couple with the initials L and YSF. The second act of terror in the form of shooting was carried out by ZA at the National Police Headquarters, Wednesday, March 31.