TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, projects that tourist destinations will likely gradually be reopened for the public. According to the minister, tourism activities will be first reopened for the mobilization of domestic tourists.

"According to the studies that were done, the soonest domestic tourists could start activities by the end of July or August. Meanwhile, international tourists would come gradually and maybe in September. But we'll see the developments," Luhut wrote in a press release on Wednesday, June 3.

Regarding the safety concerns, Luhut Pandjaitan assures that the government will impose strict COVID-19 health protocols in tourist destinations that are deemed green zones.

He also called for the Health Ministry to come up with government-standard health protocol for businesses in facing plans to introduce a ‘new normal’ phase in the near future.

“Many of those within the industry are confused due to the conflicting information. I suggest the Health Ministry and the task force lead this proposition without changing the specifics of those industries,” said Luhut Pandjaitan.

He also requested the COVID-19 task force head Doni Monardo to announce constant updates on the nation’s handling of the pandemic, which Luhut says is detrimental to the international community’s perception toward Indonesia’s seriousness in handling the global pandemic.

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA