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THE MINISTRY of Tourism and Creative Economy met with members of the Australia-Indonesia (RI) Institute Board to explore new expansions and opportunities for cooperation related to efforts to restore the tourism and creative economy sectors in the two countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno in a meeting held at the Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta, Wednesday (5/18), revealing many things that can be collaborated between Indonesia and Australia in the tourism and creative economy sectors. Starting from increasing the capacity of tourism human resources between the two countries, organizing events, developing the performing arts sub-sector, film, and e-sports.
“We see a lot of potential in the field of music to collaborate, as well as culinary, fashion, and performing arts. We also plan to showcase the best Indonesian films at the Indonesia Film Festival in Melbourne,” said Sandiaga.
Previously, Indonesia and Australia had established an MoU on tourism cooperation, which was signed in June 2001 and ended in 2018. Therefore, Minister Sandiaga wants a renewal of the MoU on tourism and creative economy cooperation, especially in the field of education, so that Indonesia and Australia are of international class. re-opened, allowing for student exchange and internship programs.
On that occasion, Sandiaga Uno expressed his gratitude for Australia’s participation in the first Tourism Working Group Meeting on 10-11 May 2022. Menparekraf also hopes for the presence and participation of members of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Board in the side event of the G20 Summit, namely the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) on 5-7 October 2022 in Bali.
“In addition, there will also be World Tourism Day and the International Wellness Tourism Conference and Festival. We hope Australia can participate in these events,” he said.
Regarding Indonesia’s policy of opening international borders, Sandiaga explained that the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic in Indonesia is now increasingly under control. The President has also given directives to allow people not to use masks when doing outdoor activities.
“We have also made several relaxations for foreign tourists who have carried out complete vaccinations, including eliminating antigen and PCR tests upon arrival. This is also based on the momentum of the Eid holiday that is going well, so we continue to try to loosen the policy gradually, because the safety and health of tourists is a priority that we must pay attention to,” he said.
This was welcomed by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams and the Chair of the Australia Indonesia Institute, Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy AM.
Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy AM revealed that Indonesia, especially Bali, is indeed the main destination for tourists from Australia. But he wants to promote Indonesian tourism, not just Bali, but other tourist destinations. Because according to him, Indonesia has a variety of leading tourist destinations that can be explored and in accordance with the interests of Australian tourists.
“Besides Bali tourism, we also want to raise the creative economy side, so it doesn’t just focus on one thing. We will also promote other tourist destinations in Indonesia,” he said.
Meanwhile, the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, hopes that with this meeting, Indonesia and Australia can strengthen bilateral cooperation. Especially in the field of tourism and the creative economy.
“Hopefully there are ideas or ideas that we are discussing this time that we can immediately execute,” Ambassador Penny concluded. [traveltext.id]
