"During the long holidays at the end of this year, a significant increase will be experienced in the people's mobility to visit tourist destinations ahead of the year-end holidays," Syamsuddin noted in a statement in Jakarta, Wednesday.
The DPR deputy chairman noted that it was related to the news on the increase in sales of the year-end holiday tickets to various city destinations across Indonesia, especially Bali. Several provinces have also readied their own regulations in tightening health protocols, such as mandatory swab tests or PCR before departure.
Syamsuddin urged the government to formulate a strategic plan before the Christmas and New Year 2021 holidays. Public safety and health protocols must be prioritized for which he believes concrete steps are necessary as a precautionary measure in the wake of an increase in the number of domestic tourists.
"If there are strict rules, the public will obey them," he stated.
The DPR deputy chairman highlighted that the most important aspect was that the local governments were able to disseminate information, conduct monitoring, and take firm action in matters pertaining to health protocols.
Syamsuddin believes that the regional government must be active to offer a sense of security and comfort to tourists in addition to the regional government taking accountability, both morally and as a state apparatus, so that the number of COVID-19 cases do not spike in their respective regions, particularly during the year-end holidays.
Furthermore, the DPR deputy chairman has encouraged the role of the Ministry of Tourism to be able to synergize and improve communication and coordination with the regional government in developing tourism during the COVID-19 era.
"The Ministry of Tourism needs to be more creative and active in making regulations for local governments, so that they can be implemented in public facilities perfectly," he emphasized.
Syamsuddin was optimistic that the Ministry of Tourism would play an active role in preparing standard operating procedures (SOPs) and regulations and conducting supervision that become mandatory references for tourism business actors.
The DPR deputy chairman expounded that this step was a consequence of the current situation for the sake of protecting society without exception, so the implementation of protocols is deemed crucial for all strata of society without exception.
Syamsuddin is upbeat about the government taking apposite precautionary measures in view of the upcoming year-end holiday to avert a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases. The DPR deputy chairman gauged that an increase in the number of COVID-19 cases would have a direct effect on slowing down economic recovery and impacting public health and public order.
"I urge the government to have in place a mature strategy as a precautionary measure against this situation. The DPR is optimistic that the government would have a mature strategy, so that there will not be a spike in the number of COVID-19 cases that can slow down economic growth," he stated.
Syamsuddin called for cooperation between the government and society in maintaining health protocols, so that the economy can continue to run.
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Translator: Imam B, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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