About Halal Tourism, Sandiaga Uno: People Must Understand The Concept So As Not To Be Divided

JAKARTA - The concept of halal tourism that is being proclaimed by the government is reaping pros and cons. Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Parekraf) Sandiaga Uno asked the public not to be divided because they misunderstood the term halal tourism.

"I speak, but in a context that really unites us. Do not be divided because of our misunderstanding of terminology," he said, in a webinar, Thursday, January 28.

As is known, President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has launched a sharia economic movement, which includes halal tourism.

The former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta also explained that the terminology of halal tourism is tourism that is friendly to Muslims. For example, food that is guaranteed to be halal.

"We heard Mr. President launching the sharia economic movement, one of which is halal tourism, which now has the terminology of Muslim friendly tourism. Its name is Muslim friendly tourism," he explained.

This halal tourism, said Sandi, serves as an additional service or extension of services. Then he talked about several tourist areas that have provided many services for Muslim tourists.

"In Bali, there are a lot of restaurants that provide services for Muslim tourists, in Lake Toba it's the same, in Labuan Bajo as well. However, because the demand is increasing, we must focus on adjusting to the demand, namely rebalancing supply and demand," he said.

According to Sandi, religious tourism has increased recently. Not only religious tourism specifically for Muslims, but also other religions.

"I met with the Ruteng Diocese (NTT). In Ruteng, the Bishop said 'Mr. Sandi, don't forget religious tourism in West Manggarai. Until Larantuka, we have 6 spots for the retreat, which will eventually have a big cross in Larantuka'," he said.