Sandiaga Hopes That The Charm Of Belitung Will Be An International Aviation Implementer

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said that the implementation of the "Belitung Beach Festival 2023" is expected to be increased to become an international event so that it becomes a trigger for the reopening of international flights to Belitung.

"We will support with totality by considering specifically that there are direct flights to serve international flights from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, June 3.

Sandiaga said that Belitung's appeal was also getting stronger by holding various events including the 'Pesona Belitung Beach Festival' as a quality event and highlighting local wisdom.

The charm of the 2023 Belitung Beach Festival has the theme "Belitung Tourism to The World" which emphasizes the culture and arts of Belitung, especially the Belitung Geopark.

The event, which took place from June 1 to 4, 2023, was filled with various festivals, including cultural parades, arts and cultural performances, the Unique Fashion Carnaval Geopark competition, band competitions, beach clean action, PBBF expo, and later closed with fireworks.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, he continued, is committed to supporting tourism development, including the creative economy in Belitung. Including by providing training and assistance as well as marketing assistance as well as sustainable financing with the national #BanggaBuatanIndonesia movement.

"So that the target of 8.5 million foreign tourists can be achieved. Belitung is a leading destination for how we maintain the momentum of today's increasing tourists so as to support the community's economy and create 4.4 million new jobs in 2024," said Sandiaga.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of Bangka Belitung Suganda Pandapotan Pasaribu appreciated the Kemenparekraf's support for tourism development and the creative economy in Belitung, including in organizing events.

"This event not only has an impact on improving the economy with the circulation of money in society, but also as part of the preservation of local culture and the value of traditions in Belitung," he said.