Thousand Islands Tourism Hasn't Been Opened Yet, Regent: The People's Economy Is Very Affected

One of the tourist destinations of the Thousand Islands. ANTARA/Ho-Thousand Islands Regency Government.

JAKARTA - Thousand Islands Regent Junaedi said that until now tourist attractions in his area have not been opened because they have not received a recommendation for opening from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf).

In fact, the Thousand Islands have written twice to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy and the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment (Kemenkomarves) regarding licensing for the opening of tourist attractions.

"Currently it has not been opened. We are just waiting for the recommendation from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. We have also written twice to open it as soon as possible," Junaedi told reporters, Wednesday, October 13.

As a result of these tourist attractions that are still closed, Junaedi admitted that the economic condition of the residents of the Thousand Islands was greatly affected. Because most of the residents' income comes from the tourism sector there.

Therefore, Junaedi hopes that the central government will soon allow the opening of tourist attractions in the Thousand Islands.

"The economic condition of the community is extraordinary and very affected. Tourism there does depend on tourism. The hope is that it will be opened soon, that's all, because their potential is only tourism there," said Junaedi.

He explained that licensing for the opening of tourist attractions in the Thousand Islands was hampered by the issuance of a CHSE (Clean, Health, Safety, and Environmental Sustainability) certificate.

CHSE is obtained after all tourist spots in the Thousand Islands are ready and meet the implementation of health protocols.

Therefore, the DKI Tourism and Creative Economy Agency (Disparekraf) is currently collaborating with consultants to help prepare for the issuance of CHSE. Currently, 9 of the 11 islands in the Thousand Islands are ready for the implementation of health protocols.

"Of the 11 islands, 9 are ready. We are reorganizing it with a QR code. Those that are ready (to be opened) are small islands, such as Payung Island, Kelapa Dua Island. Hopefully in the next two or three days there will be certainty , he said.