TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Semarang regional government refused to allow passengers of the Viking Sun to disembark in Tanjung Emas Port. The same regulation had been taken by Surabaya Mayor Tri Rismaharini since two passengers of the cruise ship suspected of having contracted COVID-19.

The Norwegian-flagged ship planned to let off passengers in Semarang City. Yet, Semarang Mayor Hendrar Prihadi said the ship had visited countries affected by the novel coronavirus.

"So for the safety of Semarang residents, we decide to reject Viking Sun to dock in Semarang," said Hendrar on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

However, he added that the ship was allowed to load logistics in the port.

Hendrar explained that the refusal was taken in a bid to prevent the spread of the virus in the city. Before reaching several cities in Indonesia, the cruise ship sailed from Darwin, Australia.

"[We want to] maintain the security, safety, and protection of Semarang people," said Hendrar. "There is controversy over the arrival of the ship. Some support the ship to dock, especially those from the tourism sector, and some reject it because other cities do so and the ship's travel history," Hendrar added.

The Viking Sun cruise ship was carrying 800 passengers and approached Tanjung Emas Port since today morning, March 5, 2020, two miles away from the port. Port Health Officers headed to the ship to check the passengers' health amid the COVID-19 concerns. However, Semarang Mayor then issued the restriction, mobilizing security officers and ambulance in the area.

JAMAL A NASHR