Indonesian Ministry of Tourism signs understandings to boost national tourism sectors

The Indonesian Ministry of Tourism signed memoranda of understanding (MoUs) with four ministries and agencies on Wednesday, 13th August.

Per a report from national news agency Antara, these agreements herald the beginning of cooperative efforts with which to strengthen the national tourism sector.

Understandings were signed with the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), the Ministry of Environment, the National Nutrition Agency (BGN), and the Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas).

For a healthier and more prosperous nation

Speaking at the signing, tourism minister Widyanti Putri Wardhana declared: “Let us maintain and strengthen this spirit to realize a healthier, more prosperous, and sustainable Indonesia.

Wardhana added that the cross-sectoral initiative is expected to support five flagship programmes of her ministry: the Clean Tourism Movement (GWB), Tourism 5.0, Upgrading Tourism, Events by Indonesia, and the development of Tourism Villages.

Likewise, the tourism sector’s cooperation with BGN will be instrumental in boosting Indonesia’s Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) programme through the training and involvement of tourism villages.

The cooperation with the Ministry of MSMEs, on the other hand, centres on developing community-based tourism, as well as strengthening the marketing of products whilst supporting small- and medium-scale investment.

The collaborative agreement between the ministry and Basarnas covers tourist safety and security, search and rescue training, the implementation of an integrated communications system, and tourist rescue operations.

Finally, the collaboration between the tourism and environment ministries involves coordination in the development of sustainable tourist destinations and environmentally friendly infrastructure.

Deputy environmental minister Diaz Hendropriyono further pointed out that issues related to cleanliness remain a challenge and a hindrance to developing sustainable tourism.

Likewise, MSMEs minister Maman Abdurrahman appreciates the potential  economic impact the understanding will have on MSMEs as it is set to create jobs whilst improving state revenue and tourism growth.

For his part, Basarnas head Mohammad Syafii expressed the hope that the MoU will streamline handling mechanisms as well as the provision of aid for victims of disasters and incidents.