REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The second day of the post-fasting month of the Ramadan festivities on Thursday is the ideal time for holidaying at various tourist destinations, according to Tourism Minister Arief Yahya.
"The first day of the Lebaran festivities yesterday was entirely dedicated to family reunions and exchange visits. Today is the time for holidaying and enjoying culinary tourism," the minister noted in a press statement here on Thursday.
Yahya said that people who were yet undecided on where to go for a holiday and to enjoy culinary tourism could obtain information through the services made available by the Ministry of Tourism.
"They can search #PesonaLebaran(kota) or #PesonaKuliner(kota) on Google," the minister, who was also returning to his hometown in Banyuwangi, East Java, stated.
Minister Yahya had earlier made assurance that tourist attractions across Indonesia were safe for the post-fasting Lebaran holidaymakers despite the suicide bombing attack targeting the Surakarta Police Station in Solo, Central Java, on Tuesday morning.
"Despite the bombing incident, there are no signs of terrorism targeting tourist attractions across the country, and thus, both local and foreign tourists need not worry," the tourism minister remarked here on Tuesday.
Yahya reiterated that tourists should not harbor concerns over the bomb attack as all attractions across the country will remain safe and conducive for the Lebaran holidaymakers this year.
Following the suicide bombing incident in Solo, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has appealed to people in the country to stay calm.
"I have coordinated, and the security personnel have been able to take control of the situation, and so, we hope the people will stay calm while being alert as tomorrow we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr," Jokowi stated at a press conference at the Hotel Grand Inna Muara in Padang, West Sumatra.
President Jokowi said he had ordered National Police Chief General Badrodin Haiti to thoroughly investigate the network of the suicide bomber.
The president also urged the police to track down and arrest members of the network, adding that he would continue coordinating with the police to find the mastermind of the incident.
The head of state emphasized that the people need not fear terrorism.
"Again, we hope the people will stay calm and observe their final day of fasting solemnly," he affirmed.
President Jokowi said he would proceed with his plan to visit Solo and Yogyakarta on July 6-9.