TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Yogyakarta administration was preparing itself to be ready to reopen tourist destinations next month ahead of a new normal era following months-long COVID-19 closure.

The regional virus mitigation task force head, Biwara Yuswantana, said his units must ensure that operators of hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and other supporting aspects implement the protocols.

“A verification team and a law enforcement team will monitor tourism objects,” said Yuswantana in a virtual press conference on Sunday, July 26.

The government has developed an application dubbed Jogja Pass to supervise and record the number of tourists entering a tourist attraction systematically. The data must be in line with the maximum capacity allowed during a transition period to a new normal era.

“If it (the number of visitors) reaches the capacity limit of 50 percent, the entrance gate will be closed. All is recorded,” he added.

The Borobudur Tourism Authority Board’s Director of Industry and Tourism Institution, Bisma Jatmika, said the reactivation of tourism in Borobudur Temple could be commenced in the second quarter of this year. “Starting from welcoming local tourists, especially those from around Java Island that can reach the area overland via toll roads,” he said.

The board was also developing a variety of tourism features in the 309-hectare areas covering Yogyakarta, Solo, and Semarang.

Read: Yogyakarta Taman Sari to Accept Tourists Starting July 8

ANDITA RAHMA | YOHANES PASKALIS