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INDONESIA’S Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi said that the tourism sector was closely related to transportation connectivity as a driver of the country’s economy, not least during the COVID-19 pandemic which had a major impact on both sectors.
“The world of tourism is in line with transportation connectivity. We see that this is our way of consolidating, we can do further. Movement is indeed limited, but we should not give up easily because we are doing extraordinary work,” said Minister Budi at the opening of the 5th National Conference. Association of Indonesian Travel Agents (ASTINDO), which was held in a hybrid manner, Tuesday (6/8).
When discussing challenges in the pandemic era such as massive restrictions on movement and outdoor activities, Budi Karya said that restrictions were not an obstacle, but an effort to suppress the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
“Restrictions on going home, then we restrict international flights so that no more travel is chartered, we are tightening to ensure that our country is serious about dealing with COVID, and the results are starting to show. This must be grateful for. I am optimistic that the Indonesian people understand that this is a trial, when we understand the trial well, then we can continue to move with innovation,” he said.
The Minister of Transportation stated that the steps taken by both the government and the private sector to revive the economy from various sectors during the pandemic were in line with President Joko Widodo’s orders.
“I want to convey that the government has always consistently supported the private sector moving forward. The President supports, orders by stimulating all sectors, including the Ministry of Transportation. What is being done now? The President said that the pandemic must be resolved, but economic activities must also be a concern for all of us,” he noted.
Furthermore, Minister Budi conveyed a number of government priority steps to promote domestic tourism through transportation connectivity. Among them is preparing new connectivity from Yogyakarta International Airport to Borobudur Temple, Magelang using public transportation such as airport trains (Airport Train).
The development of the 5.3 km airport railway line from Kedundang Station to Yogyakarta International Airport Station which was built elevated as of mid-March 2021 has reached 83.6%, according to a report from the official website of the Ministry of Transportation.
The construction of the Airport Train is an inseparable part of Yogyakarta International Airport, because this airport will accommodate large-bodied aircraft and become a center for the movement of people both domestically and abroad, which can accommodate around 20 million passengers per year.
Furthermore, the construction of the Lombok Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport, West Nusa Tenggara, which will be a link to one of Mandalika’s super priority tourist destinations, is also considered.
He added, then, Mandalika with a better airport, to welcome the MotoGP event. Furthermore, Labuan Bajo is also very beautiful. Kupang, Manado with good food and access will be a great opportunity.
“Bali will build a port in Nusa Penida, and become a tourism center in Indonesia. We are indeed systematic and will not stop. We also invite the private sector to participate in building these facilities,” he concluded. [antaranews]
