Sandiaga Uno: Money Circulation From Halal Tourism Of The Republic Of Indonesia Potentially Increases By 25 Percent In 2024

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

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy (Menparekraf) Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno estimates that the circulation of money from halal tourism in Indonesia has the potential to increase by 25 percent in 2024, in line with improving economic growth after the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This is increasing, increasing tremendously, significantly. We mapped out that there is a potential increase of up to 25 percent this year. In line with the end of COVID in 2023. We monitor this increase in household consumption that grows well," Sandiaga said while attending the breaking of the fast together at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, quoted from Antara, Saturday, March 16.

The movement of the community during Ramadan and Eid this year is also expected to increase significantly. According to Sandiaga, this is also confirmed by the number of pilgrims attending breaking the fast together at the Istiqlal Mosque on weekends reaching 7 thousand people.

Sandiaga views that halal tourism and the creative economy coexist are manifested in the Istiqlal Ramadan Fair 2024 event. According to him, various activities at the Istiqlal Mosque during Ramadan reflect the symbol of the unity and diversity of the Indonesian people. He also invited donors to take advantage of the momentum of Ramadan by giving alms through the Istiqlal Mosque.

"I invite donor companies to use this opportunity, God will give us the full month to share. And this will also help our brothers and sisters face the pressure of rising rice prices and so on by doing charity through activities at the Istiqlal Mosque," he said.

Sandiaga added that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy itself also seeks to strengthen MSMEs in the creative economy sector during Ramadan by providing training and assistance. In terms of capital, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy also provides assistance according to the needs of MSMEs, especially since the government has a target so that all MSMEs have a halal certificate before October 2024.

"There is no longer long time to prepare. Therefore, we facilitate it for halal certification which we must do before October," he said.

On the same occasion, Sandiaga said that Indonesia is a halal tourism destination that is very popular in the world. Moreover, Indonesia has succeeded in getting the title of Top Muslim Friendly Destination of The Year 2023 at the Mastercard Crescent Rating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) in 2023. He also invited the public and stakeholders to maintain and maintain this achievement this year.