Ujung Kulon National Park Off-Limits for Tourists for 14 Days

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK) located in the westernmost tip of Java, in Pandeglang Regency of Banten, was off-limits for tourists from May 17 to 30, 2021. The closure was based on instructions from the Banten Governor and the Pandeglang Regent.

“It is officially closed starting today (Monday). We follow the Governor’s instruction and the Regent’s Circular Letter dated May 16,” said the national park spokesperson Andri Firmansyah on Monday, May 17.

The regional governments decided to close the UNESCO World Heritage Site in an attempt to prevent the Covid-19 transmission. During the Eid holidays last week, a number of tourist sites in the province were packed with tourists which led to crowds.

Andri said his side would follow any policies and instructions taken by the government regarding efforts to break the chain of virus transmission in tourist sites. “If the policy is withdrawn before May 30, we will abide by it.”

However, the Ujung Kulon National Park management asked the Banten provincial government and Pandeglang administration to immediately seek solutions and alternatives for people affected by the temporary closure.

“Banten and Pandeglang governments must find alternative ways to encourage the economic growth of people in tourist attractions, particularly tourism workers,” Andri said.

Read: Two Baby Javan Rhinos Born in Banten's Ujung Kulon National Park

ANTARA