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THE COVID-19 pandemic has a direct impact on the tourism sector and the national creative economy, including the Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition (MICE) business. The tourism sub-sector has experienced a decline due to the implementation of community activity restrictions (PPKM) implemented by the government as an effort to suppress COVID-19 cases.
Related to this, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno on Thursday (8/19). revealed that he is currently preparing a number of tourism recovery programs and creative economis. Including the distribution of Government Incentive Assistance (GIA) and grant funds which are now called Government Assistance for Tourism Businesses.
“BIP or Government Incentive Assistance has entered the final curation stage and we hope that by the end of August or September (2021) it will be disbursed with the coordination of the recipient party. After being reviewed by the Ministry of Finance and the COVID-19 Management Committee and the National Economic Recovery, the grant that we gave last year is now in the process of transforming into Government Assistance for Tourism Businesses,” he said.
He explained that I expected to distribute the aid immediately. The reason is because MICE business actors are now in a slump. The assistance provided is also believed to be able to maintain the business while preventing layoffs.
“Now this is also being prepared and we hope that the third quarter is ready, so that it can be given immediately. Because this is already in a very difficult situation for friends who are engaged in the tourism and creative economy sectors,” he remarked.
Meanwhile, answering Dino Hamid’s questions and requests, Sandiaga Uno said that Tourism Ministry would provide a number of conveniences to MICE business actors.
“I give you trust, because my DNA and background are entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs uphold trust,” said Sandiaga Uno.
In addition, he continued, as soon as the COVID-19 case is under control, community activities will be relaxed again by referring to strict health protocols and discipline based on Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environment Sustainability (CHSE).
“Therefore, coordination is through the Tourism & Creative Economy Concierge, so it’s like when we enter the hotel there is a concierge (function room), whatever we ask can be directed, the concept is like that and will be bridged, especially with the police and the COVID-19 Task Force,” Sandiaga elaborated.
He added, and financially, we will direct the working capital through our activities that provide economic stimulus. Meanwhile, regarding the hope and optimism conveyed by Hosea Andreas as General Chair of the Association of Indonesian Exhibition Companies (Asperapi), I am grateful.
“I believe, through innovation, adaptation and collaboration, the national tourism sector, especially the MICE business, can survive the storm of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hopefully our togetherness can improve, not only resilience but also what is called Indonesia Tough, Indonesia Grows,” he finished excitedly. [traveltext.id/photo special]
