Hoax on Tsunami Affects Number of Visitor in Ancol

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The number of tourists visiting Ancol Beach experienced a decrease during this year’s Christmas and New Year holidays, compared to the previous year.

“The decrease is expected to reach more than 25 percent,” Ancol Taman Impian spokesperson Rika Lestari told Tempo on Tuesday, January 1, 2019.

She recorded that 240,000 tourists visited Ancol on December 31, 2017, and there were 170,000 visitors on January 1, 2018.

Meanwhile, on December 31, 2018, only 66,000 people visiting Ancol, and it was recorded that today’s visitor, January 1, 2019, until 14:00 was only at 44,000.

However, some destinations were crowded and visitors seemed to enjoy the attractions, Rika added.

She viewed that several factors affecting the number of tourist visit to Ancol, such as the duration of Christmas and New Year holidays, as well as the weather condition.

According to Rika, the authority has issued a warning regarding the extreme weather following the rain, wind, earthquake, and even tornado.

Moreover, the hoax about a tsunami in Ancol has added to the people’s concern in visiting Ancol, especially after a tsunami in Sunda Strait has hit areas of Banten and Lampung.

Meanwhile, the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) informed that Ancol was safe from the potential of a tsunami, said Rika.

To attract tourists visiting Ancol, the management has set several attractions in all recreation units, such as Dinoland at Dufan, Meet and Greet with Tayo at Ocean Dream Samudra, Parade at Atlantis Water Adventures, an underwater attraction at SeaWorld, and art performances at Pasar Seni Ancol.

IMAM HAMDI