TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio expected tourism industry players, such as hotels and restaurants, as well as the creative economy to be allowed to operate amid the total large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) imposed by the Jakarta administration.

“I hope the Jakarta administration appreciates the tourism and creative economy sector that have been well implementing the health protocols so far by giving them more space to grow,” said Wishnutama to Tempo on Thursday, September 10.

To suppress the virus transmission, the implementation of health protocols in business activities is the major key, he said. The ministry has promoted cleanliness, healthy, safety, and environmental sustainability or CHSE programs for each industry player.

Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedan announced that the PSBB will be re-enacted on September 14, 2020, in the wake of rising positive cases. This means the offices, schools, houses of worship, and entertainment venues will be closed.

The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) chairman Haryadi Sukamdani claimed many entrepreneurs are dealing with the second blow caused by the surge in Covid-19 cases.

According to PHRI chairman, they had taken a fresh breath during the long weekend in August, yet now they incurred losses again due to high virus spread. Haryadi explained the widespread Covid-19 caused the tourism industry players in difficulties to draft future plans as they are facing uncertainty.

Read: Wishnutama Expects MSMEs to Shift to Digital Market

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA