TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The public can spend their 2022 New Year holidays at domestic tourism destinations, albeit in strict compliance with health protocols to curb COVID-19 transmission, according to Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno.

"Please, travel responsibly," Uno urged while visiting the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, Jakarta, on Saturday.

Furthermore, the minister was pleased with the implementation of health protocols at the tourism attraction.

The officers conducted health screening both from the entrance gate to the amusement area.

According to the minister’s data, some 18 thousand tourists visited Ancol during the 2021 Christmas holidays. Meanwhile, on Saturday, some eight thousand visitors were recorded.

The operator of Ancol had deliberately limited the number of visitors to avoid any crowds. In addition, the tourism site was only opened until 2 p.m. Western Indonesia Standard Time.

The public’s enthusiasm in visiting Ancol during the 2021 Christmas and 2022 New Year holidays has infused a sense of optimism for revival of the tourism sector in the midst of the pandemic, Sandiaga Uno assessed.

“However, we are still in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, we have to pay attention to health protocols,” he emphasized.

The minister noted that tourism destinations complying with the health protocols were allowed to open more attractions and services, though they had to stay vigilant to the virus.

Hence, the operators should come up with breakthroughs to ensure smooth running of economic activities while curbing the transmission of COVID-19.

The minister has assessed that the key is making the new normal work. He stressed that controlling the pandemic also meant working towards economic recovery.

“Hence, we must obey and adhere to the health protocols. Thus, the number of new COVID-19 cases can be suppressed, and we can continue to conduct our daily activities vigilantly,” he added.

According to COVID-19 Task Force’s website, 4,292 active cases were recorded in Indonesia as of December 31, 2021.

Read: Omicron Reaches 136 Cases, Govt Calls on Public to Refrain from Traveling Abroad

ANTARA