Kotabaru, S Kalimantan (ANTARA) - Traders in the tourist area of Gedambaan Beach, North Pulau Laut, Kotabaru, complained of a decrease in turnover in the past two months.
One trader, Jenah, said on Saturday the condition was due to the lack of visitors after the increase in the price of the entrance ticket imposed in the beginning of the year.
"Obviously there is an impact, it is very drastic, it is lonely," she said.
The woman, whose stall business has been more than a decade in Gedambaan Beach, claimed her turnover has fallen by more than half. On the other hand the rent of stalls per month also rises. "Stall rent also increased from Rp75 thousand to Rp250 thousand," Jenah said.
Herself and other traders expect the government to make efforts to return the beach to be crowded as before.
Meanwhile, the Head of the Culture and Tourism Office Khairian Ansari dismissed the increase in ticket prices resulting in a decrease in the number of tourists. "Not really, the data shows the amount is stable and the incoming income is also good," he said.
Entrance ticket was increased based on Regional Regulation Number 5 of 2018 concerning Business Service Levies. According to Khairian, the regional regulation should be implemented in June 2018, but it chose to optimize socialization first.
He realized the tariff changes raises pros and cons, but the policy is followed by a commitment to improve various facilities in Gedambaan Beach tourist attractions for the convenience of visitors.
"This year we will carry out various activities soon. There are several facilities that we will improve, one of which is a swimming pool," Khairian said.
