Sandiaga Uno: Christmas And New Year Holidays Contribute Rp120 Trillion To The National Economy

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Uno. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno projects that the momentum of the 2023 Christmas and New Year 2024 holidays can contribute up to IDR 120 trillion to the national economy.

"There are around Rp. 80 to Rp. 120 trillion that will contribute to the economic movement," said Sandiaga after a review of the readiness of the Pantjoran PIK tourist destination in Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Wednesday, December 27.

According to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy estimates, the surge in visitors on the Christmas and New Year holidays could reach 107 to 110 million during the holiday period. The majority will carry out tourism activities with an amplification of two to two and a half times that estimate.

Of this amount, said Sandiaga, it is estimated that there are 200 to 250 million Nusantara tourist movements, with expenditure per visit reaching IDR 2.4 to IDR 2.5 million according to BPS data.

Sandiaga hopes that the movement of Nusantara tourists can make a significant contribution to the economic movement, along with the government's efforts to achieve growth above 5 percent and the creation of 4.4 million new jobs in the tourism sector and the economy.

"Well, this is very much needed because we want Indonesia's growth to be above 5 percent and to open 4.4 million new, quality jobs in the Tourism and Creative Economy sector in 2024," said Sandiaga.

Therefore, he encouraged the public to take advantage of the potential for local tourism as an alternative in the midst of a surge in COVID-19 cases abroad.

Sandiaga emphasized that traveling in Indonesia not only provides culinary experiences, but also supports the local economy.

In addition, traveling in Indonesia can provide a culinary experience and a comfortable atmosphere. He gave an example such as at Pantjoran Pantai Indah Kapuk (PIK), Jakarta, where tourists can enjoy food from various countries such as Japan, Hong Kong, and Taiwan.

"I also recommend other than going to PIK, to Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, because there was a new face that was exciting and the concept was green, inclusive, and smart," said Sandiaga.

Even so, regarding the COVID-19 cases that are increasingly rife in several ASEAN countries, Sandiaga appealed to the public to consider wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining distance for health and safety during the 2024 Christmas and New Year holidays.

"I hope that tourists will maintain the protocol, not only health, but also safety. Make sure the Christmas and New Year holidays can be carried out smoothly, safely, comfortably, comfortably, happily, and drive the economy," said Sandiaga.