East Nusa Tenggara shuts all tourist destinations to prevent COVID-19 spread

The picturesque Wae Rebo village in Manggarai regency, East Nusa Tenggara (Shutterstock/Liang Lif)

In a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19, the East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) administration has decided to close its offices and tourist spots.
NTT Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat has shut down provincial administration offices and sent all of his subordinates home. According to a gubernatorial circular issued on March 21, all of the province's employees are to work from home from March 24 to March 31.
They are also not allowed to leave their homes except to buy staple food items and daily needs, medicine, or to get medical checkups.
All communication instruments to ease communication between leaders and subordinates should always be turned on, according to the letter.
“[All employees] should avoid mass, large gatherings and help prevent such gatherings from happening,” Viktor added in the circular.

NTT, specifically Sikka regency, has been hit hard by dengue fever, which has killed dozens and sent thousands of people to hospitals.
The province is also vulnerable to COVID-19 as tourism is its main industry.
“NTT Governor Viktor Bungtilu Laiskodat has issued instructions to close tourist destinations in NTT to prevent COVID-19 from spreading,” Marius Jelamu, the province's public relations bureau head, told The Jakarta Post by phone on Monday.
Other than tourist sites, all festivals have been postponed until further notice.

Below is a list of tourist spots that have been shut down across NTT:

1. West Manggarai regency: Komodo National Park and tourism area outside the park.
2. Manggarai regency: Wae Rebo traditional village, Liang Bua Cave, Lodok rice field in Cancar and other destinations.
3. East Manggarai regency: All tourist spots in the south and north side of the regency.
4. Ngada regency: Bena traditional village, 17 islands of Riung and other destinations.
5. Nagekeo regency: All tourist spots in the south and north side of the regency.
6. Ende regency: Kelimutu National Park and other destinations.
7. Sikka regency: All tourist spots in the south and north side of the regency.
8. East Flores: Semana Santa celebration and other destinations.
9. Lembata regency: Traditional whale capturing areas and other destinations. (JakartaPost)