Minister Sandiaga Asks For Expansion Of Tourism And Creative Economy Cooperation After The Australia-Indonesia Institute Board Meeting

Sandiaga Uno (Photo via Ministry)

JAKARTA - The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, met with members of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Board to explore expansion and new opportunities for cooperation related to efforts to restore the tourism and creative economy sectors in the two countries after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sandiaga said, there are many things that Indonesia and Australia can collaborate on in the tourism and creative economy sectors. Starting from increasing the capacity of tourism human resources between the two countries, organizing events, developing the performing arts sub-sector, film, and e-sports.

"We see a lot of potential in the field of music to collaborate with, as well as culinary, fashion, and performing arts. We also plan to showcase the best Indonesian films at the Indonesia Film Festival in Melbourne," said Sandiaga in an official statement, Thursday, May 19.

Previously, Indonesia and Australia had established an MoU on tourism cooperation which was signed in June 2001 and ended in 2018.

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga, wants a renewal of the MoU on cooperation in tourism, especially in the field of education, so that international classes between Indonesia and Australia are reopened, thus enabling student exchanges and internship programs.

Sandiaga expressed his gratitude for Australia's participation in the first Tourism Working Group Meeting on 10-11 May 2022. Menparekraf also hopes for the presence and participation of members of the Australia-Indonesia Institute Board in the side event of the G20 Summit, namely the World Conference on Creative Economy (WCCE) on 5-7 October 2022 in Bali.

“In addition, there will also be World Tourism Day and the International Wellness Tourism Conference and Festival. We hope Australia can participate in these events,” said Sandiaga.

Regarding Indonesia's policy of opening international borders, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga explained that the COVID-19 pandemic situation in Indonesia is now increasingly under control. The President has also given directives to allow people not to use masks when doing outdoor activities.

"We have also made several relaxations for foreign tourists who have carried out complete vaccinations, including eliminating antigen and PCR tests upon arrival. This is also based on the momentum of the Eid holiday that is going well, so we continue to try to loosen the policy gradually, because the safety and health of tourists is a priority that we must pay attention to," said Sandiaga.

This was welcomed by the Australian Ambassador to Indonesia, Penny Williams, and the Chair of the Australia Indonesia Institute, Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy AM.

Emeritus Professor Greg Fealy AM revealed that Indonesia, especially Bali, is indeed the main destination for tourists from Australia. But he wants to promote Indonesian tourism, not just Bali, but other tourist destinations. Because according to him, Indonesia has a variety of leading tourist destinations that can be explored and in accordance with the interests of Australian tourists.