Thousands Of Peak Tourist Workers Are Laid Off, Closing Areas Affects The Local Economy

Illustration (Photo: Doc. ANTARA)

JAKARTA The closure and sealing of a number of tourist attractions in the Puncak area, Bogor Regency, West Java by the Ministry of Environment (KLH) triggered economic turmoil in the area.

Thousands of residents who work in the tourism sector are now losing their livelihoods, while business actors have complained about the drastic decline in tourist visits.

Data from the South Bogor Community Alliance noted that around 2,300 workers in the hotel, restaurant and tourist sectors have been laid off since the sealing policy was implemented.

This condition hit the local economy which has been dependent on the tourism industry in the Puncak area.

The chairman of the South Bogor Community Alliance, Muhsin, said that the policies taken by the central government not only suppressed the business world, but also caused economic difficulties for thousands of families.

"We want to have a dialogue with the Minister to find a solution. Many residents have lost their jobs and income, while this policy is carried out without clear communication," said Muhsin.

One of the hotel workers, Asep alias Iyong, said that the occupancy rate immediately fell after the hotel was sealed.

After the sealing sign, many guests canceled their arrival. As a result, we became victims, many workers were laid off," he complained.

This sealing step was also highlighted by the legislature. Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Mulyadi, assessed that the policy of closing the Puncak tourist area was not on target because it actually disrupted the business climate and investment.

"This policy hampers people's economic activities and causes thousands of employees to be laid off," he said.

Economic impact is also a concern for academics. Professor of IPB, Prof. Ricky Avenzora, assessed that the steps taken by the Minister of Environment Hanif Faisol Nurofiq were carried out without going through careful procedures and had the potential to harm many parties.

"The sealing and revocation of business licenses carried out without a thorough study can have a major impact on the tourism sector and regional economy," he said.

Meanwhile, legal and political observer Egi Hendrawan assessed that the sealing policy was ceremonial without clear legal action against perpetrators of environmental destruction.

"The public does not see a real legal settlement. The impact is the economy of the people who are victims," he said.

The Puncak area has been one of West Java's main tourist destinations with a significant contribution to regional income and employment.

Observers assess that, without a quick solution from the government, the closure policy has the potential to slow down the economic recovery of the tourism sector in Bogor Regency.