Introductory Remarks of the President of the Republic of Indonesia before a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the Development of Lake Toba as Priority Tourist Destination, at the Presidential Office, 2 February 2016

Unofficial English Translation

Assalamu’alaikum warrahmatullahi wabarakaatuh,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We continue to develop tourism sector as the mover of the national economy. And from all priority tourist destinations that we have decided, we have visited some of them.

I also have received information from the Minister of Tourism that arrival of international tourists in 2015 stood at 10.4 million people. It was a significant increase. It was estimated that we garnered Rp. 144 trillion of foreign exchange reserve from this sector.

The growth of Indonesia’s tourism sector in 2015 was higher than that of countries which saw a 4.4 percent growth on average. In the meantime, growth of tourism sector among ASEAN countries was only 6 percent on average.

In 2016, I hope the growth of the tourism sector can be accelerated to support growth of the national economy. I suppose that from this sector, medium and small scale enterprises and creative industries can be developed and job opportunities can be created.

I have also instructed Minister of Tourism to accelerate the development of 10 priority tourist destinations, namely Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, Bromo-Tengger-Semeru, Thousand Islands, Lake Toba, Wakatobi, Tanjung Lesung, Morotai, and Tanjung Kelayang.

We need speed and breakthrough both in regulations and field works so we can immediately enjoy the results.

On the meeting this afternoon, especially for the development of Lake Toba, I want the access connectivity to the Lake must be immediately improved, including the seaport, the airport and the roads.

I was informed that two or three weeks ago, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Resources, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing, and Minister of Tourism visited the area. We hope the visit can be followed up on the ground.

I would also like to emphasize that the branding for the marketing must be prepared, services must conform to the international standard, art and cultural attractions with good choreography and interesting classy designs must be prepared.

That’s what I can say as my remarks. Now I would like to invite Pak Coordinating Minister (for Maritime Affairs and Resources) to take the floor.

Thank you. (Humas) (EP/YM/Naster)