Gov’t to Follow through Plan for Five Super-Priority Tourist Destination despite Budget Saving Measures

Minister of Public Works and Public Housing delivers his statement after a limited meeting, Friday (29/5). (Photo by: PR/Ibrahim)

The Indonesian Government is set to follow through the plan for five super-priority tourist destinations despite budget-saving measures.

The five super-priority tourist destinations are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Likupang in North Sulawesi.

“Even though the budget has been cut by Rp44 trillion out of the Rp120 trillion listed in the 2019 DIPA (Budget Implementation List), no activities were canceled. The remaining Rp44 trillion will be allocated in 2021,” Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono said after a limited Meeting, Jakarta, Friday (29/5).

According to the Minister, in 2020, a budget of Rp6.4 trillion was allocated for 5 tourist destinations, excluding those saved in hope that after the pandemic, these destinations would be the fastest to rebound.

Basuki stated that of the Rp6.4 trillion, projects amounted to Rp5.1 trillion had already been signed and some works have already begun.

“For example, in Lake Toba, some works include the arrangement of Parapat Beach, then Huta Raja Siallagan area (on Samosir Island) and others,” the Minister stated, adding that other works outside of the destination area include road repairment, road widening, works on gates, market, and so on.

While in Borobudur, Basuki said, the Ministry worked on the main access road as well as Klangon Gate which is the entrance for Kulon Progo-Borobudur direction. Borobudur area is also set to have three other gates namely Blondo Gate as the entrance for Semarang-Borobudur direction, Palbapang Gate for Yogyakarta-Borobudur direction, and Kembanglimus Gate for Purworejo-Borobudur direction.

The Ministry also worked on main access road to connect Lombok International Airport (BIL) to Mandalika (17 km). “Three packages of auction have been done. The work will begin in the near future of 2020 in order for the work to be completed by 2021. We will also work on the Gerupuk Coast area in Mandalika,” he added.

In Labuan Bajo, all works have gone through the contract process, including the road widening and Batu Cermin Cave. In Likupang, he said, some works include the arrangement of the Malalayang Beach area in Manado which is popular as a culinary destination. (MAY/EN)

Translated by: Fairuzzamani Inayatillah
Reviewed by: Mia M. Bonaedy