Magelang Closes 7 Tourist Destinations to Curb COVID-19 Outbreak
Translator
Ririe Ranggasari
Editor
Petir Garda Bhwana
Rabu, 18 Maret 2020 13:34 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The government of Magelang Regency, Central Java, has shut down seven tourist destinations for two weeks. The decision was taken as a preemptive measure against the further spread of COVID-19.
The places are closed to public from March 16 to 29, 2020.
Iwan Sutiarso, Head of the Department of Tourism, Youth and Sports of Magelang Regency, said that tourist attractions closed are Ketep Pass, Mendut Swimming Pool, Kalibening, Umbul Temple, Bleder Lagoon, Mendut Temple, and Pawon Temple.
"This temporary closure is a follow up to the Magelang Regent circular regarding the prevention and response of COVID-19," Iwan said on Monday, March 16.
Ketep Pass is a spot where people can observe Merapi and Merbabu that attracts many visitors. The area's head of marketing and promotion, Edwar Alfian, said they informed the closure via public announcements and travel agencies.
The closure, said Edwar, is to prevent the novel coronavirus from spreading further, especially in tourist attractions where many people from various regions gather.
Edwar said the management is not concerned about potential losses, as this is done for public safety.
EKO WAHYUDI
