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FORMER minister of culture and tourism of the Republic of Indonesia in the period 2000-2004, I Gede Ardhika tried to answer questions from the turmoil of tour operators throughout Indonesia saying that the most important thing at this time was the implementation of the health protocol.
“Starting with yourself, family, company, from the smallest scope first. Until the people really implement the health protocol. Only then can the destination be assessed as being ready or not accepting tourists and will regain trust. So step by step at the destination,” Ardhika said.
He added, then, prioritizing the destinations that he wanted to open. Just make the first 1,2,3 destination a green zone. Prepare the community at the destination to really implement all health protocols. Prepare the health protocol infrastructure and superstructure. It will be easier to choose issues if something happens at the destination, as well as being directly and more quickly dealt with.
The former tourism minister also cautioned caution in issuing COVID-19 free label certificates. Before issuing certificates and labels must carefully look at the implications going forward. The criteria in the label must be general and not discriminatory. If there are things that are proven to not be implemented it will instead turn into a problem.
“We never have experience when enacted a letter free from jaundice. So all COVID-19 free label certificates must be issued carefully. Don’t let it become a boomerang for those who issue certificates,” Ardhika noted.
Promotions, he continued that are prioritized will be opened first also prioritized promotion. In terms of opening destinations in the early days that already have a market and tourists will definitely visit there.
“Promotion means to convey true information, giving the correct information. Destination promotion can be done in various ways. For destinations that are not quite ready to implement health protocols, provide information, convey what is being done at the destination, how it is progressing, what cannot be done. That is also part of the promotion,” he added.
I Gede Ardhika hopes that during the pandemic and after COVID-19 Indonesia’s tourism paradigm must change. Don’t always be oriented towards the government. Do what can be done starting from the environment itself. Because facing a pandemic like now is a shared responsibility between the tourism industry, government and society, and tourists later. Not only in attractions, in accommodation, in transportation but also in destinations as a whole.
“Tourism businesses in Indonesia must also be leaders of initiatives carried out by the industry. Industrial initiatives must be ahead of the government,” Ardhika concluded. [sources/photo special]
