President Jokowi Calls for Preservation of Bunaken National Park

President Jokowi and a number of officials head for Bunaken National Park, Manado, North Sulawesi. Friday (5/7). (Photo by: BPMI Setpres)

The Government aims to preserve and safeguard Bunaken National Park in North Sulawesi province.

The national park is the province’s major tourist destination known for its underwater beauty and rich biodiversity and has the potential to become one of the largest tourism destinations in the future.

“Bunaken National Park has huge potentials. Thus, we must preserve it. The park is in a cleaner condition now,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo told reporters during his visit to the park on Friday (5/7).

The Government, the President added, also plans to make underwater tourist destinations in the region more organized and integrated to attract more tourists, particularly foreign tourists. The development of infrastructure supporting North Sulawesi tourism sector also requires careful planning, he added.

President Jokowi and his entourage leave Pelindo Port for Bunaken National Park, Manado, North Sulawesi, Friday (5/7). (Photo by: Jay/PR)

To boost tourism sector in the province, the regional government hosts the annual Bunaken Charm Festival, which offers several activities, such as art and cultural performances, Bunaken clean-up, boat rowing competition, snorkeling, traditional games, and grilled-fish party.

The President also reiterated the Government’s commitment to support development of tourism sector in North Sulawesi province.

President Jokowi further said that the Government will also upgrade and develop other tourist destinations across the country that harbor potentials and have an impact on regional economies, one of which is Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara province.

“This means that we must use the allocated budget for infrastructure development that brings an impact on economic growth and investment and, in turn, the community can gain benefits from it,” the President concluded. (HIM/JAY/ES)

Translated by: Muhardi

Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas