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The Ujung Kulon National Park, which has been categorized as a green zone eco-tourism site, is home to several endangered animals such as the Javan rhino, Owa Java monkey, and Kancil.  ANTARA/Mulyana

The Ujung Kulon National Park (TNUK), which has been categorized as a green zone eco-tourism site, is ready to receive tourists while applying strict protocols to prevent the transmission of COVID-19, said park officials.

"Insyaa Allah (God willing), the tour will soon be opened at the Ujung Kulon National Park. We have prepared the standard operating procedures (SOP), (and we are now) just waiting for the circular from the Ministry of Environmental Affairs and Forestry (KLHK) (giving the go-ahead for the reopening),” Andri Firmansyah, spokesperson for the Ujung Kulon National Park Office (BTNUK) said in Pandeglang, Banten, on Tuesday.

Currently, the office is preparing SOPs that would be applied to tour operators and TNUK visitors to minimize the spread of COVID-19.

To ensure the safety and health of all parties, tour operators must follow and obey the rules issued by the park authorities, the spokesperson said.

"Later, when the tourism site is reopened, tourists and related stakeholders will be encouraged to follow the rules," he added.

The SOPs will be implemented based on instructions from the Task Force for the Acceleration of COVID-19 Response concerning health protocols at the operational level in each region.

"We are referring to the Minister of Health’s Decree No. HK. 01.07 / MENKES / 382 2020 concerning health protocols for the community in public places and facilities for COVID-19 prevention and control," he said.

The Ujung Kulon National Park, which is located on the westernmost tip of Java Island, will reopen this month, if the Environmental Affairs and Forestry Ministry issues a circular allowing the reopening.

Situated in Pandeglang District, Banten Province, Ujung Kulon is home to several endangered animals, including the Javan rhino, Owa Jawa monkey (Hylobates moloch), surili (Presbytis aigula), dhole/wild dog (Cuon alpinus javanicus), bull (Bos javanicus), silvery gibbon (Hylobates moloch), Javan lutung (Trachypithecus auratus), long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis), Javan leopard (Panthera pardus melas), and Java mouse-deer/Kancil (Tragulus javanicus), deer (Rusa timorensis). (ANTARA)