Menparekraf Sandiaga Uno Wants Indonesian People To Travel

JAKARTA - The government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented a policy to close entry access for foreign tourists starting January 1, 2021. Because of this, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf) will rely on domestic tourists.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno said domestic tourists are the foundation of Indonesia's current tourism industry. For this reason, the government partners with airlines to increase tourist visits in the country.

"Our focus is now domestic tourists. At least in 2021, we are waiting for the vaccine and waiting for the health side to recover which we are both concerned about," he said at a year-end press conference, Tuesday, December 29.

According to Sandi, who is a former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta, economic recovery in 2021 will depend heavily on the health aspect. So, the set targets must be realistic and cannot be too grandiose.

"We have to be realistic in prioritizing health and safety aspects," explained the owner of PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya Tbk.

Sandiaga said, his party has also coordinated with the Indonesian National Aviation Company Association or INACA regarding the government policy to temporarily close visits from foreign nationals to Indonesia.

"We agreed to equalize perceptions. What we must prioritize is the health aspect," said the Prabowo pair in the 2019 presidential election.

In addition, Sandiaga said that airlines are partners with the government to maintain strict and disciplined health protocols, so that there is no overlap and confusion.

As is known, the government officially imposes restrictions on the arrival of foreign nationals to Indonesia. This step was taken after the outbreak of a new variant of COVID-19 that was spreading in Europe.

"In response to this the limited cabinet meeting on December 28, 2020 decided to temporarily close, I repeat to temporarily close from January 1 to 14, 2021, the entry of foreign nationals or foreigners from all countries to Indonesia," said Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi, in his statement, Monday, December 28.