Gov’t to Address Main Issues in Developing Ten New Priority Tourist Destinations

President Jokowi on his remarks on the Limited Cabinet Meeting on Development of Priority Tourism Destinations at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (15/7). (Photo by: Jay/PR).

In a bid to further develop 10 prioritized tourist destinations dubbed as the “new Balis,” the Government has announced it will be focused on resolving a number of matters.

They are spatial arrangement and control, connectivity and access to tourist destinations, facilities, human resources development, improvement of cultural and arts products, and promotion.

“We still have issues on spatial arrangement and control still such as in Labuan Bajo and Lake Toba,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said before a limited meeting on Development of Priority Tourism Destinations at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Monday (15/7).

President Jokowi added that infrastructure that supports connectivity and access to tourist destinations also still needs improvement, namely airports, docks, seaports, and roads to/from the point of arrival to tourist destinations. He added that the infrastructure also needs to be integrated with existing development of surrounding areas.

The existing facilities at tourist sites, the President added, must also be improved. “It is the regional governments’ duties to re-structure street vendors, small restaurants, and provide decent toilets,” he added.

The President has also ordered regional governments to provide hospitality training for locals. “So they are able to serve tourists with excellent services,” the President said.

Regarding local wisdom such as local products and arts, President Jokowi continued, they need to be displayed and cultural performances also need to be re-packaged.

The President further said he had ordered the Indonesian Agency for Creative Economy (BEKRAF) to provide capital injections in an effort to make clothing designs, costumes, and others more attractive. As for promotion, the President calls for large-scale, integrated promotions that can create a large multiplier effect and boost regional and national economy. (HIM/EN/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Galuh Wicaksono
Edited by: Muhardi/Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas