New Normal of Tourism; Borobudur Temple to Reopen on June 8

TEMPO.CO, Yogyakarta - Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and Ratu Boko Temple will reopen on June 8, 2020, after they were off-limits for over three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The CEO of the three tourist sites management, PT Taman Wisata Candi Borobudur, Candi Prambanan dan Candi Ratu Boko, Edy Setijono, said strict health protocols would be imposed when they were opened later. “We implement the New Normal of Tourism,” Edi added.

He reiterated that there were certain standards that must be met by both tourists and workers, including customer services. The management will also set up information boards and hand-washing areas within a distance of 100 meters.

The opening of the tourist sites will comply with the mandates issued by the central government, especially the SOE Ministry. At present, many preparations have been made such as by improving the service quality standard in line with the Tourism Ministry’s program on Cleanliness, Health, and Safety policy.

The tourist site management, Edi went on, would also apply a cashless payment system in order to reduce interaction between officers and tourists.

Before the official opening on June 8, 2020, the management will establish a pre-operational event, a tour with media and travel agencies—hoping they will disseminate the tourism changes.

“We hope the New Normal of Tourism can build tourists' confidence so the tourism and economic sector will rebound,” Edy remarked.

During the three-month closure, Edy said the management did not record any income, while it was targeted to generate revenue of up to Rp600 billion a year.

MUH. SYAIFULLAH (CONTRIBUTOR)