President Jokowi Pushes for Acceleration in Tourism Destinations

President Jokowi led a limited meeting on Toba Lake Tourism Destination, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta (2/2) afternoon

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has pushed for the acceleration of the development of tourism sector in 2016.

According to the President, national economic growth on tourism sector has promoted the development of medium-sized and small-sized business, as well as creative industry, and  will also create new jobs.

“I have told Minister of Tourism to accelerate 10 tourism priority destinations, among others: in Borobudur, Mandalika, Labuan Bajo, Bromo Tengger Semeru, Kepulauan Seribu (Thousand Islands), Toba, Wakatobi, Tanjung Lesung, Morotai, and Tanjung Raya,” President Jokowi said in a limited meeting on Toba Lake tourism destination spots, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, on Tuesday (2/2) afternoon.

President Jokowi added that speed and breakthrough in the regulation and works on the ground are needed so we will be able to feel the results soon.

For the development of Toba Lake, the President particularlly instructed related sides to strengthen access connectivity, both related to seaport, airport, or road.

“I noticed that the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Minister Public Works and Public Housing, and Minister of Tourism visited Toba Lake two or three weeks ago. We hope there will be the follow up on the ground soon,” the President said.

The President added that branding for the marketing, international standard service, art and cultural attractions with good choreography, as well as attractive classy design must be prepared.

In the beginning of his remarks, President Jokowi said that tourism sector has continued to develop as national economic booster, and the Government has already seen several tourism destination spots on the ground.

Based on the data from Minister of Tourism, foreign tourist visit to Indonesia in 2015 increased significantly and reached 10.4 million people. Meanwhile, the estimated foreign exchange income from tourism sector is Rp 144 trillion.

“Indonesia’s tourism in 2015 grew above the average of other countries which is only 4.4 percent, and also the average of ASEAN countries which is only 6 percent,” President Jokowi explained.

Attending the limited meeting were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Cordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Puan Maharani, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Rizal Ramli, Minister of State Secretary Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Presidential Chief of Staffs Teten Masduki, Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Susi Pudjiastuti, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara, Minister of Transportation Ignasius Jonan, Head of the Creative Economy Agency Triawan Munaf, Deputy Minister of Finance Mardiasmo, as well as Regents and District Heads around Lake Toba. (FID/OJI/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)