TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno asked the public and businesses in the tourism and creative economy sector to understand the government's decision on imposing a stringent social restriction throughout Java and Bali. The step, Sandiaga added, was an effort to curb Covid-19 transmission.

"We ask for the understanding of the people and tourism and creative economy businesses. We will move quickly together to ensure social protection," Sandiaga told Tempo on Thursday, January 7, 2021.

The ministry was determined to reduce the impact of the restrictions, Sandiaga underlined. Apart from accelerating social security, Sandiaga was coordinating with various parties to take anticipatory steps.

The Gerindra Party politician revealed that his ministry needed to ensure the resilience of the tourism sector so that the impact on employment would not be severe. Sandiaga further ensured that the economic recovery agenda would be continued under the health protocols during the pandemic.

Sandiaga Uno admitted that the social restrictions in Java and Bali Islands would be a hard time for the tourism sector. Besides, the policy coincided with the ban on foreigners' entry.

"This is a difficult time so the tourism and creative economy sector must coordinate and keep adapting to developments," said the minister.

Read: Minister Sandiaga Uno Prepares Agenda for Sports-based Tourism

FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA