TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said the flooding in West Sumatra also impacted the tourism and creative economy sectors. He expressed concern as the tourism sector is gearing up to welcome the school holiday session.

"And Anai Valley is one of the favorites (tourism destination)," said Sandiaga on Monday afternoon, May 13, 2024. "But safety is the most important."

Sandiaga said that the available tourist destinations must be free of the potential for landslides, flash floods, or other subsequent disasters. "Especially extreme weather. We have to ensure safety in tourism and that must be prioritized," he said.

Furthermore, Sandiaga hopes that micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) can be given government assistance, one of which is by government purchase of their creative economy products through e-catalogs.

The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has declared an emergency response status following the flood and landslide disaster in West Sumatra. Head of BNPB Suharyanto said the emergency response status took effect from Monday, May 13, 2024.

He ensured that the joint team was working to overcome the emergency disaster response situation in five affected districts, including Agam Regency, Tanah Datar Regency, Padang Panjang City, Padang, and Solok.

Currently, the government is trying to carry out tasks in parallel, starting from evacuating affected residents, identifying bodies, and searching for missing victims. The government also distributes basic aid and supporting infrastructure for refugees, as well as rehabilitation and reconstruction of damaged facilities.

RIRI RAHAYU | ANTARA

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