Bamsoet Supports IndonesiaJuara Trip's Vision in Tourism Development in Indonesia

Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Bambang Soesatyo with the founder of *Indonesia Juara Trip*, Agung Afif. (Photo: Special)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly of the Republic of Indonesia (MPR RI), Bambang Soesatyo, has expressed support for IndonesiaJuara Trip's efforts in developing tourism that will benefit local communities and regions with high potential in the Indonesian tourism sector.

During a meeting with IndonesiaJuara Trip's founder, Agung Afif, in Jakarta on Wednesday, Bamsoet praised the initiative, saying that there are still many areas in Indonesia that have the potential to become world-famous tourist spots.

IndonesiaJuara Trip is a tour operator that has been operating for over 7 years and was recently awarded as the best tour on the global travel platform, Tripadvisor. The company is currently focused on developing tourism in Labuan Bajo, Sumba, Derawan, Raja Ampat, and Bali.

"After the pandemic, our main objective is to showcase Indonesia's natural beauty globally. We plan to achieve this through a combination of online marketing and partnership with travel agents worldwide. This strategy is aimed at boosting economic recovery through the tourism industry.," said Agung Afif.

According to The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Indonesia has achieved several milestones in the tourism sector, including being ranked 32nd in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI). Additionally, the contribution of tourism to gross domestic product (GDP) increased from 2.4% in 2021 to 3.6% in 2022, while the value of tourism foreign exchange rose from US$0.52 billion in 2021 to US$4.26 billion in 2022.

Bamsoet believes that IndonesiaJuara Trip's focus on developing the tourism sector in eastern Indonesia, one of the poorest regions in the country, is appropriate because it can create new jobs and provide long-term economic benefits for the local community. By improving accessibility to these areas, it is also hoped that it will attract more tourists, thereby increasing revenue from the tourism sector.

However, it is important to pay attention to the environmental impacts that may occur during tourism development. Agung added that good and sustainable management is necessary to avoid negative impacts on the environment and biodiversity.

The discussion between tour operator owners and stakeholders in the capital is expected to create strong synergy between the government, private sector, and local communities to promote Indonesia's natural beauty and biodiversity, both domestically and internationally.

"Empowering local resources has always been a priority in creating jobs in every province where the Juara Holding Group operates," Agung said.

The latest project from IndonesiaJuara Trip and KomodoLuxury is the construction of the Phinisi ship as a tourist vessel that will sail in Labuan Bajo starting in mid-April 2023, which is expected to further boost tourism in the region.