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INDONESIA’S Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi emphasized the importance of tourism and the digital economy as pillars to accelerate recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.
The statement is based on data that in the first half of 2022, nearly half a billion tourists made international trips, or three times more than in the same period last year. The World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) also said global tourism had almost 60 percent recovered from pre-pandemic levels.
“However, the uncertain geopolitical and economic situation risks delaying the return of (global tourism) to pre-pandemic levels. Meanwhile, the full benefits of digital transformation are also hindered by the growing digital divide,” said Retno at the opening of the 4th World Indonesianist Congress, online on Wednesday (10/19).
She mentioned that currently, more than 3.7 billion people, mostly in less developed countries, lack internet access so that their access to the digital economy, education and healthcare is blocked.
In order to respond to these obstacles and revive the tourism sector and the digital economy, Retno proposed three efforts that could be done globally.
First, changing the global paradigm characterized by competition and protectionism. The current global situation called Retno will not benefit anyone.
Therefore, at the 77th UN General Assembly Session, Minister Retno called on the world to put forward a new paradigm based on mutually beneficial cooperation, collaboration, and involvement.
“We must not allow competition and division to distract from ensuring a better life for people,” she remarked.
Second, build an inclusive world so that it can face any challenges or difficulties, including the COVID pandemic.
Inclusivity, Retno continued, is the soul of Indonesia’s G20 presidency this year with the spirit of involving all parties including Pacific and Caribbean countries so that they can voice their concerns about global issues.
“With the same spirit, the G20 will also ensure to bring direct benefits to the people through concrete cooperation,” she noted.
During Indonesia’s G20 presidency, more than 300 cooperation project proposals were curated including in the tourism, creative economy, and digital sectors. The G20 has also established a Digital Innovation Network to support the development of potential startups.
“Indonesia urges all parties to continue to collaborate in the midst of difficult situations. These are the two visions that I think fellow Indonesianists will play a role in voicing to a wider audience,” Minister Retno concluded. [antaranews/photo special]
