Jakarta, IO – As many as 40 foreign tourists are stranded in Karimunjawa Islands, Jepara regency, Central Java, due to extreme weather that hit the area, reported Kompas, Tuesday (27/12).
Jepara transportation agency head Trisno Santosa said the tourists visited the islands through a travel agent and have stayed there since Thursday (22/12).
“They are from the Netherlands, Germany and other European countries,” said Trisno.
They are scheduled to be evacuated to Semarang using KM Kelimutu, a vessel owned by state-owned ship operator PT Pelni today at their own cost.
The 40 foreigners are part of a total of 356 tourists stranded on the islands for several days now. The agency has established an impromptu assistance center to cater to the needs of the stranded tourists and provide up-to-date weather information.
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If needed, the local government, with the help of Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and the National Alms Agency (Baznas), is ready to open a field kitchen for the tourists. The Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) is also asked to provide discount for their accommodation. (rr)