VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Wishnutama Kusubandio shared some insights to help the travel industry regain its power after the coronavirus pandemic. He encouraged travel agents to have digital platforms, as he predicted a surge in tourism once the pandemic is over. He also urged the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (ASITA) to have a digital platform, as it is considered essential in the travel ecosystem. The minister said he was coordinating with various stakeholders in tourism to be prepared for a surge in tourists by formulating promotional plans. He also noted a new trend in tourism brought by the outbreak as the landscape will be reformed in terms of health and comfort//JP

An Amorphophallus titanum, or carrion flower, has bloomed at Cibodas Botanical Garden managed by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in West Java's Cianjur District on Saturday, May 2. Destri, a researcher of the Plant Conservation Centre at the garden, said in a statement received here on Sunday that it is the sixth time for the flower to bloom, after its first blossom in 2003 and last blossom in 2017. Yet, blossom this time was considered interesting as the flower did not experience dormancy. The carrion flowers at Cibodas Botanical Garden originally grows in Sungai Manau, Batang Seliti, Kerinci Seblat National Park in West Sumatra, and have been planted there since 2000//Ant

The Bali administration has made the decision to expand the area of lockdown, from one of three hamlets in Abuan village, Bangli regency, to the entire village. The decision was made after rapid tests indicated it was probable that, hundreds of its residents were infected by the coronavirus. All the villagers are required to stay at home but will be provided meals three times a day. The decision to isolate the whole village – home to 2,640 residents – was made on Friday. As quoted by TheJakartaPost.com, the Bali provincial COVID 19 task force team took 1,200 blood samples, from residents of the hamlet on Thursday, of which more than 400 returned "reactive" results after rapid testing. More than 10 thousand migrant workers have reportedly returned to the island since March. It is estimated that around 20 thousand Balinese are working abroad, mostly in tourism as crew members of cruise ships//JP

To lift the public’s spirits during the COVID-19 pandemic, which has coincided with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the Indonesia Triathlon Series (ITS) is holding a virtual race until May 21. Called the Ramadan VR Run, the race offers a 10-kilometer option and a 21- kilometer option, to be completed by May 21. The event is being supported by more than 40 running and triathlon communities.

The ITS has planned a series of monthly virtual competitions called the ITS VR Series, in which people can participate in running, biking and duathlon events. The first virtual duathlon was held in late April. It saw 877 participants from 12 countries. The Ramadan VR Run is part of the VR Run Series, which will be held until December and includes three competitions//JP