JAKARTA - The East Aceh Regency Tourism, Youth, and Sports Office (Disparpora) said that the Lokop River tourist destination, which was previously one of the region's tourism assets, has undergone drastic changes due to the flood disaster. The area is now covered in sand and no longer serves as a tourist attraction.
Head of the East Aceh Regency Disparpora, Syahril, said that flash floods had a wide and significant impact on the tourism sector in the region. "Based on the current conditions on the ground, the Lokop River channel is no longer in its original path. The river, which was previously a tourist destination, has turned into a sand field," he said in East Aceh, Sunday.
He explained that the heavy flash floods caused the flow of the Lokop River to shift to the foot of the mountain. As a result, the area which was once crowded with tourists can no longer be used as a tourist destination.
Syahril also said that the tourist icon in the form of a hanging bridge, which has been a major attraction for visitors, has disappeared. The infrastructure was severely damaged and washed away by the flood.
"Based on the temporary data collection, about 80 percent of tourist attractions in East Aceh were affected and suffered damage, both mild, moderate, and severe," he said.
According to Syahril, the worst damage occurred at beach tourist destinations and natural tourist attractions along the river basin, including the Lokop River area in Serbajadi District.
He added, the Lokop River is a real example of changes in the landscape due to disasters. From previously known for its clear water and beautiful natural scenery, the area has now undergone a total change and requires serious handling for the recovery process.
In addition, heavy damage was also reported at a number of beach tourist destinations. In the Matang Rayeuk area, PP Idi Timur, almost all tourist huts along the beach were damaged by the impact of flooding and sea waves.
"Likewise at Leuge Beach, in addition to the damaged tourist huts, there was also a large abrasion that resulted in the road being cut off. All of this has an impact on community activities," he said.
Syahril assessed that abrasion in the Leuge Beach area was quite worrying because it not only had an impact on the tourism sector, but also disrupted public and tourist access. The interruption of the road body also affected the economic activities of residents around the location.
He admitted that the severe damage caused by the natural disaster was a heavy blow to the East Aceh tourism sector, which had previously begun to show signs of recovery.
"We hope that through cross-sector synergy, tourist attractions affected by disasters can be rearranged and rebuilt, so that they can attract tourists again in the future," said Syahril.
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