Indonesians Spend IDR 150 Trillion On Vacation Abroad, Sandiaga Uno: We Direct It Domestically

Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno. (Photo: Instagram @sandiuno)

JAKARTA - Minister of Tourism and Economy Krearif (Parekraf) Sandiaga Uno revealed that every year Indonesians spend up to IDR 150 trillion for holidays abroad. This figure, of course, cannot be considered a little.

Sandi said that this amount of expenditure shows that domestic tourists have been left untouched. Supposedly, he said, these tourists could be directed to vacation in the country rather than spending money abroad.

"These super priority destinations must be our preferred tourist destinations. So there is IDR 150 trillion that leaves Indonesia each year because we are busy on vacation in our favorite countries," he said, in a webinar, Thursday, January 28.

Seeing the huge potential for money out, Sandi wants at least 30 percent of the total expenditure to be diverted to be used for holidays in the country. Moreover, he said, currently there are five priority destinations that can become vacation destinations for domestic tourists.

"If we divert 20 percent to 30 percent, it could reach IDR 50 trillion which we can direct for our destinations, both in NTT, West Manggarai there is Labuan Bajo which is world class, as well as in South Sulawesi as well, starting from Selayar Island, Toraja, "he said.

The former Deputy Governor of DKI Jakarta said that there are many opportunities that can actually be used to attract domestic tourists so they do not go on vacation abroad.

"There are so many opportunities and this we see that this ecosystem must be built, and we plan it so that in the following year we become the preferred tourist destination in Southeast Asia," he said.