Live Homestay, Jokowi Please Bunaken Island Again Many Foreign Tourists

President Jokowi visited the Tanjung Pulisan SEZ, Likupang, North Minahasa Regency, North Sulawesi, Thursday, July 4, 2019. (Between-Puspa Perwitasari)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) hopes that foreign tourists will make Bunaken Island in North Sulawesi (Sulut), a favorite destination.

"We hope that foreign tourists can return to be crowded and enter Manado, North Sulawesi, especially in Bunaken. We open it to tourists from all countries, including from China," said Jokowi while visiting the Bunaken tourist area, North Sulawesi, Friday, January 20.

The President said the government had fixed facilities in Bunaken, such as providing lodging or homestays for tourists.

"We have repaired this, at least the face has been seen. Homestay has also been prepared. There are 50 houses that have been built by the government for the community," he said, quoted by Antara.

Jokowi estimates that in early February 2023, foreign tourists will flock to visit Bunaken.

Although it has opened tourist destinations, the President stressed the importance of implementing health protocols to prevent health risks from occurring.

Once again we are open to tourists from anywhere. But what we see is a lot of China, the most important thing is health protocols," he said.

BUNAKEN

The President visited Bunaken on the third day of his working visit to North Sulawesi. Jokowi uses the Ultimate Victory Motorboat and departs from Mega Mas Pier, Manado City to get to Bunaken.

Arriving at Bunaken Island Pier, President Jokowi immediately visited the Bunaken Tourism Area as well as the homestay at that location. After that the President will return to Manado City with the Ultimate Victory Motorboat.

Also accompanying the President on his way to Bunaken were Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Governor of North Sulawesi Olly Dondokambey, Pangdam XIII/Merdeka Major General TNI Alfret Denny Djoike Tuejeh, North Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General Pol. Setyo Budiyanto, and Manado Mayor Andrei Angouw.