REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, LABUAN BAJO — Indonesian government is determined to make tourism a driver of economic growth and reduce dependence on income from mining. The growth of five super priority tourist destinations was accelerated.

The five destinations are Borubudur, Lake Toba, Likupang, Mandalika, and Labuan Bajo.

Minister of Maritime and Investment (Marves) ad Interim Erick Thohir on the sidelines of the inauguration of Golo Mori Convention Center (GMCC) and delegates on five priority super tourism detachments in Labuan Bajo, on Wednesday (6/12/2023) revealed its potential.

Indonesia's GDP record in 2022 of Rp 19.588 trillion. Total of 12,2 percent, coming from mining with a value of Rp 2.393 trillion, while tourism is only 3.6 percent, which is Rp 705 trillion.

Related to this, he stated that he knew President Jokowi's desire from the beginning, namely to aspire for tourism to grow well. Indonesia magnificent scenery should be put at its place.

“Tourism must continue to grow to offset the dependence of income from mining. If we look at it, some countries are already shifting, such as the UAE and Saudi Arabia from oil to tourism,” said Erick, who is also minister of state-owned enterprises.

That is, he said, Indonesia can also have ethnic cultural capital, natural beauty, friendly society.

“Why don't we have a joint commitment to move tourism forward? So it becomes the main source of national economy growth,” he said.

According to Erick, tourism is the biggest supporter of employment and growth of SMEs. Economic growth will go forward as people's income rises, it depends not only on natural resources, but tourism and creative industries, the digital economy.

Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno explained that there are several points discussed by national meeting of board in the efforts to promote tourism in Indonesia, in particular the acceleration of achieving five super priority tourism destinations.

Among them, to increased connectivity at 13 airports serving as hubs for increasing the number of travelers, including Komodo International Airport, Labuan Bajo with a target of 12 million-15 million guests next year.

Then, the allocation of Indonesia Tourism Fund (ITF) in five super priority destinations. There is an additional budget of Rp 1,2 trillion to complete all activities in five super priority tourism destinations aiming for advanced economic locomotive.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika