Reflecting On The Success Of The ASEAN Summit, The DPR Encourages The Government To Improve Tourism Area Infrastructure

Photo: BPMI Setpres

JAKARTA - The DPR assessed that the holding of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo, NTT, was successfully held. The Indonesian government as the host of this year's ASEAN Summit is considered successful in displaying a positive image, including in terms of infrastructure.

"With the holding of an international event in Labuan Bajo, the Government exposed the charm of Indonesian tourism. This is a good promotional step, especially since all infrastructure is presented neatly," said Deputy Chairman of Commission V DPR RI Andi Iwan Darmawan Aras, Thursday, May 11.

Commission V of the DPR also hopes that the Government will consistently build infrastructure in Labuan Bajo and the surrounding area after the 42nd Asean Summit was held on 9-10 May. According to Iwan, with a focus on building infrastructure in the Super Priority Tourism Destination area, Indonesia's name will be increasingly taken into account in the eyes of the world.

"Not only main infrastructure such as roads, airports and ports, but also other supporting infrastructure to increase the attractiveness of our tourist area," he said.

Iwan also mentioned the impact of development in the Labuan Bajo area because it is the peak location of the 42nd ASEAN Summit. Like the new Komodo Airport with a longer and wider runway.

Then the Trans-Flores road that connects Labuan Bajo with other cities on Flores Island has also been repaired and expanded. This makes the trip to Labuan Bajo even easier and more comfortable.

"In addition to transportation infrastructure, the Government is also encouraging the construction of adequate hotels and accommodation in the Labuan Bajo area. Many new hotels are built with modern and high-quality facilities to attract domestic and international tourists," explained Iwan.

On that basis, Commission V of the DPR appreciates the Government's concrete steps in advancing tourism potential in Labuan Bajo. With adequate infrastructure, Iwan hopes that Indonesian tourism can continue to develop and have a positive impact on the community and regional economy.

"ASEAN summit guests were taken around to various tourist destinations in Labuan Bajo. And this is the time for business actors there to welcome opportunities to advance the regional economy and improve the standard of living of local people," he said.

In line with the Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, Iwan also mentioned the Meeting, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) of Golo Mori which is the venue side event of the ASEAN 2023 Summit. According to him, the developer must accelerate the development of supporting infrastructure.

'Labuan Bajo and Golo Mori are the government's priorities in introducing tourism in NTT. However, in Golo Mori, the government must encourage the development of supporting infrastructure to facilitate access for tourists to visit there," Iwan appealed.

The Commission in the House of Representatives in charge of infrastructure and transportation affairs also encourages the Government to involve local communities in the MICE Golo Mori development project as a sustainable and interrogating Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Iwan encouraged the Government to take more local communities as human resources in Golo Mori.

"So that the impact of the government's seriousness in developing the area can be felt directly by the people from the beginning of development," he said.

On the other hand, Iwan said that usually international events are held more often in Bali or Jakarta as the main venue. But lately, the Government has brought international circles to other areas that present the beauty of Indonesian tourism.

"This good step must be accompanied by efforts to improve infrastructure throughout Indonesia. So that foreign people do not know Indonesia, only Bali and Jakarta," said Iwan.

There are many Indonesian regions that have high potential to be visited by the international community. But of course the charm that exists must be equipped with good transportation infrastructure, international standard health infrastructure, and other supporting infrastructure," added the Legislator from the South Sulawesi (Sulsel) II electoral district.

Indonesia's success in hosting international events, Iwan assessed, has brought Indonesia's name even more fragrant in the international world. Starting from the G20 Presidency, to sports events such as the Mandalika MotoGP.

"The choice of Indonesia as the host of world events proves that internationals believe in the infrastructure in Indonesia. This trust should not be tarnished by the lack of maximum fulfillment of their needs while here," concluded Iwan.