TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The City Government of Surakarta or Solo decided to allow tourist destinations to continue operating during the 2021 Eid homecoming ban period. Visitors from outside the region are also welcomed as long as they meet the requirements.

“They are allowed [to travel here], but they have to go through a screening first,” said the regional Covid-19 Task Force Chief who is also City Secretary, Ahyani, on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

This is noted in the latest circular letter of Surakarta Mayor No. 067/11309 on the extension of the micro-scale community activity restriction (PPKM) and the role of the village-level task force in handling Covid-19 in the city.

Other than the screening, Ahyani said tourists are obliged to stay in hotels, inns, or guesthouses. “So they will not stop by at residents’ houses or their relatives’ homes,” he added.

In addition, tourist destinations must limit the attendance number to 50 percent of the total capacity. The implementation of the health protocols will be closely monitored, and tourists are required to bring a Covid-19 free certificate.

“We also prohibit activities at tourist sites that potentially cause crowds, such as the Syawalan ritual in Taru Jurug Park,” Ahyani underlined.

Surakarta Mayor Gibran Rakabuming Raka, meanwhile, confirmed that the entry and exit permit (SIKM) is not for people willing to visit tourist sites but for those with urgent matters. “SIKM is not for traveling but urgent matters,” he said.

Read: COVID-19 Already Crippling Traditional Markets in Solo

ANTARA