Especially in the Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara, we have barred cruise ships from entering the park, as those that can be directly anchored in Komodo Island usually bring in a large group of tourists. On the other hand, Komodo National PJakarta (ANTARA) - The government has closed 56 conservation areas for tourists under its endeavor to halt the further spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).
Director General of Nature and Ecosystem Conservation of the Forestry and Environment Ministry Wiratno noted in a statement here on Friday that the ministry had closed 26 national parks, 27 nature tourism parks, and three wildlife conservation areas.
The 26 national parks include TN Gunung Leuser in Aceh; TN Bukit Duabelas, TN Berbak Sembilang, and TN Kerinci Seblat in Jambi; TN Bukit Tigapuluh, Riau; TN Way Kambas, Lampung; TN Seribu Islands, Jakarta; TN Gunung Halimun Salak, Banten; TN Gunung Ciremai, Cirebon-Kuningan; and TN Gunung Gede Pangrango in Sukabumi and Cianjur.
The others comprise TN Karimunjawa, TN Merbabu, and TN Gunung Merapi in Central Java; TN Bromo Tengger Semeru and TN Alas Purwo in East Java; TN Gunung Rinjani and TN Gunung Tambora, West Nusa Tenggara; and TN Gunung Palung and TN Bukit Baka Bukit Raya, West Kalimantan.
TN Tanjung Puting and TN Sebangau, Central Kalimantan; TN Kutai, Bontang; TN Bantimurung Bulusaraung and TN Taka Bonerate, South Sulawesi; TN Aketajawe Lolobata, North Maluku; and TN Lore Lindu, Central Sulawesi are the other national parks closed for tourists.
The 27 nature tourism parks (TWA) closed for tourists are TWA Grojogan Sewu, Karanganyar; TWA Telogo Warno/Pengilon, Wonosobo; TWA Sumber Semen, Rembang; TWA Gunung Selok, Cilacap; TWA Guci, Tegal; TWA Kawah Ijen East Java; TWA Bukit Kelam, Sintang; TWA Tanjung Belimbing, West Kalimantan; TWA Bukit Tangkiling, Central Kalimantan; TWA Tanjung Keluang, Central Kalimantan; TWA Malino, South Sulawesi; and TWA Lejja, South Sulawesi.
TWA 17 Riung Island, TWA Baumata, TWA Teluk Maumere Islands, TWA Menipo, TWA Camplong, TWA Bipolo, TWA Kupang Bay, TWA Ruteng, TWA Rusa Island, TWA Lapang Island, TWA Batang Island, and TWA Tuti Adagae in East Nusa Tenggara; TWA Wera, Sigi; TWA Bancea, Poso; and TWA Tokobae Island, North Morowali were also closed.
The government has also shut down the wildlife conservation areas in Rambut Island and Muara Angke in Jakarta and Pinjan Tanjung Matop in Tolitoli, Central Sulawesi.
"Especially in the Komodo National Park in East Nusa Tenggara, we have barred cruise ships from entering the park, as those that can be directly anchored in Komodo Island usually bring in a large group of tourists. On the other hand, Komodo National Park did not have adequate kits for coronavirus detection," Wiratno pointed out.
The government will also mull over the possibility of closing zoos, wildlife parks, and breeding if the need arises. It has postponed the repatriation of wildlife, he stated.
However, the operation to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife would continue in accordance with the on-field situation, he added. Related news: Garuda makes assurance of flights to Australia, the Netherlands
Related news: Cruise ships barred from entering Komodo National Park due to COVID-19
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Katriana, Sri Haryati
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2020
