Coordinating Minister Luhut: Complicated Political Issues Make Tourists Reluctant To Come To Indonesia

Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. (Photo: Instagram @ luhut, pandjaitan)

JAKARTA - The Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said that in developing tourism in Indonesia, one of the most important things is the creation of calm and peace. He asked the leaders to build it, so as to increase interest in tourist visits.

Not only that, Luhut also prohibited officials and leaders from selling ideas of violence that could affect tourism in Indonesia.

"I am serious, as the most senior in this room, I would like to say that. Don't let it be because of political interests, lust for power, we make a fuss, that's the biggest sin of a leader who knows that," he said, in his remarks at the National Coordination Meeting for the Acceleration of Development. Five Super Priority Tourism Destinations (DPSP) virtually, Friday, November 27.

According to Luhut, if the commotion continues due to interests, tourists are reluctant to come on vacation in Indonesia. As a result, those who are most affected are the small people who depend on the tourism sector for their livelihoods.

"How do you want to create jobs, how to be sociable. Don't show the anger. The recent incident has made people fearful. If people are afraid to come here, the people will lose. So as leaders we must provide peace, tranquility and peace. the impression of 'You come here, we will guarantee you', "he said.

Based on a study by the World Economic Forum, Indonesia lost to a number of countries in Southeast Asia for almost all tourism categories. In the nature and adventure tourism category, for example, Thailand is in first place.

Not only in terms of nature, Indonesia is behind the White Elephant Country for the categories of culture, MICE, shopping, and health. On the culinary side, Indonesia is under the Philippines. As for the entertainment category, Singapore still leads the way in first place.

Luhut regretted this fact. He said Indonesian tourism was not selling well, not only in terms of infrastructure. But also because the tourism sector needs to be supported by a peaceful social and political atmosphere.

"In terms of adventure, Thailand could not be more beautiful than us. We can see Labuan Bajo, Mandalika, Toba, many beautiful places, but they are not selling well. Our culture is losing to Thailand, there is no story. We must encourage cohesiveness. talk about differences, "he said.

According to Luhut, with the existing potential, Indonesia should be able to beat these countries. For culinary richness, for example, the diversity of types and flavors of food in the country should be able to compete with the Philippines.

"I was also the old ambassador in Singapore, and I am not sure from the entertainment side that we will lose," he said.

To catch up with that gap, Luhut said there were four things that needed to be improved from tourism in Indonesia. The goal is so that by 2021 Indonesia can reach rank 30 in the Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index 2021.

Then, said Luhut, the health sector must also be improved. One of the ways is by opening an international hospital.

"The BUMN Minister will work hard. There are 3-4 hospitals in Bali, Jakarta, Medan such as the Mayo Clinic, John Hopkins," he said.