ITDC Gets Three Regional Governments Of South Sulawesi Province To Develop Tourism In Bira And Takabonerate SEZs

ITDC signed a memorandum of understanding with three local governments of South Sulawesi Province in developing the Special Economic Zones of Bira and Takabonerate. (Doc. ITDC)

JAKARTA - PT Pembangunan Pariwisata Indonesia or Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) together with the Provincial Government of South Sulawesi (Pemprov. Sulsel), Selayar Regency, and Bulukumba Regency have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of tourism in the Special Economic Zone (KEK) Bira & Takabonerate in Bulukumba Regency and Kab. Selayar.

ITDC Director of Business Development Ema Widiastuti said that her party welcomes the development of the Bira & Taka Bonerate SEZ, especially because Indonesia is the country with the largest tourism assets in ASEAN.

"This MoU also marks an important step in assisting cooperation to accelerate tourism development in Bulukumba and Kab Regencies. Selayar is currently in the process of submitting to become a Special Economic Zone (KEK) Bira & Taka Bonerate, South Sulawesi Province," said Ema, quoted on Saturday, March 16.

Ema added that South Sulawesi Province has a strategic position as the gateway for Eastern Indonesia which has natural and cultural potentials that can be greatly developed.

Moreover, he said, Bulukumba Regency is the center of the phinisi ship industry, while Selayar Regency has the 3rd largest atoll in the world and a biosphere reserve that has received UNESCO recognition.

Ema said, this area is also a cruise ship route and destination with tourists from the United States, Britain and Australia sailing three times a year.

"It is estimated that the frequency of visits to cruise ships will increase in line with the development of the tourism area and the Bira Taka Bonerate maritime area," continued Ema.

Ema hopes that this collaboration will become a solid foundation to achieve a common goal in developing the Bira & Takabonerate SEZ, so that it can become a leading tourism destination in Indonesia.

"We are committed to supporting the development of the Bira & Takabonerate SEZ by utilizing available resources, as well as our experience in developing sustainable tourism destinations," Ema continued.

Meanwhile, Acting Governor of South Sulawesi Province, Bahtiar Baharuddin, appreciated the cooperation through the signing of this MoU, an important milestone in joint efforts to lift the tourism potential of South Sulawesi to a higher level.

Moving the tourism sector is not easy. For this reason, the presence of ITDC which will attract investors is important. Therefore, we must unite and fight together for tourism development in South Sulawesi Province," said Bahtiar.