Singkawang, W. Kalimantan (ANTARA News) - Tourism and Creative Economic Minister, Mari Elka Pangestu, admitted that the Mount Kelud eruption will affect tourist visits to Indonesia.

"The ministry is in a position to explain where the safe spots are for tourism and where not because of the eruption," Mari Elka Pangestu informed the press in Singkawang, on Friday.

Due to the eruption of Mount Kelud, there are several tourism sites that have been forced to close, such as Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java and Prambanan Temple in Yogyakarta.

The ministry, according to Mari, is also monitoring the data updates from the National Disaster Management Board (BNPB) related to safe and unsafe areas.

She added that like the eruption of Mount Sinabung in North Sumatra Province, not all areas are in the danger category.

"For example, Medan. Although located in the same province, Medan is far away from Sinabung. So, it is safe to visit Medan," she elaborated.

Mari noted that the common locations with lava are often visited by tourists after the eruption.

"But, we should ensure that the location is safe for visitors," she reiterated.

Reporting by Ahmad Wijaya

(D018/INE/B003)

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