Thus, CHSE (certification) will continue (to run) and we will ensure that tourism destinations apply CHSE principles because they have become Indonesia's national standard.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno on Monday appealed to all tourist destination managers to anticipate a spike in COVID-19 cases during this year’s Eid al-Fitr holiday.

The government has set the joint leave for the Islamic holy day from April 19 to 25, 2023.

The minister said that although the enforcement of community activity restrictions (PPKM) has been lifted, there are still several new COVID-19 variants that need to be looked out for.

"Although PPKM has ended, we encourage everyone to remain careful,” he stressed during an online weekly brief.

Tourist destinations are still being asked to implement general health protocols as usual, however, they will not need to prepare special means to curb transmission, he said.

Regarding the implementation of the health protocols, the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry has earlier issued Circular Letter (SE) of Menparekraf Number SE/9/DI.01.01/MK/2022 regarding the implementation of safe, comfortable, and enjoyable tourism in a tourism destination.

The ministry has also published the SE of Menparekraf Number SE/8/DI.01.01/MK/2022 concerning tourism transportation safety.

Uno said he expects the implementation of the provisions contained in the circulars to help anticipate a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases during the Eid holiday.

He also emphasized that tourist destinations are still required to have cleanliness, health, safety, and environmental sustainability (CHSE) certificates.

“CHSE is part of quality and sustainable post-pandemic tourism (implementation), and it is a ‘new normal’ (condition) that is becoming a ‘better normal,’” he noted.

“Thus, CHSE (certification) will continue (to run) and we will ensure that tourism destinations apply CHSE principles because they have become Indonesia's national standard," he added.

Furthermore, the minister asked the managers of tourist destinations to continue to work together and quickly to ensure the security, cleanliness, and comfort of facilities at the destinations, including entrance gates and parking lots.

He said that the attempt aims to develop a more quality and sustainable tourism sector.

In addition to the managers of the tourism destinations, he also encouraged local governments to form task forces consisting of personnel from the police, military, Public Order Security Agency (Satpol PP), Transportation Office, Tourism Office, Health Office, and other agencies to oversee tourist activities.

“Tourism offices are encouraged to directly monitor (the situation) at tourist destinations; do not only stay at their offices. Come directly (to the destinations) to carry out direct monitoring and evaluation,” Uno said.

He added that the officers have been asked to supervise the preparedness of the services and the human resources of the destinations as well as to report any facilities they find lacking.

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Translator: Suci Nurhaliza, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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