Leader Of The ASEAN Parliament Invited By Puan To Sail On A Physical Ship Enjoy Labuan Bajo Pesona

JAKARTA - The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, hosted the leaders of the ASEAN state parliament by sailing on a phinisi ship enjoying the beauty of Labuan Bajo tourism.

Puan hosted Southeast Asian state parliamentary leaders who attended the 42nd ASEAN Summit considering that the Indonesian House of Representatives became Chair of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) this year. At the ASEAN Summit, there will be a plenary session with AIPA to discuss agendas in the Southeast Asia region.

The activity of sailing on a phinition ship was carried out by Puan with the parliamentary delegation of Southeast Asian countries after AIPA held a Preparatory Meeting in order to review the initial draft of the AIPA message or AIPA Message which will be delivered at the ASEAN-AIPA Leaders Interface tomorrow, May 10, 2023.

The AIPA delegation departed to tour the Labuan Bajo area from the habitat Pier using Lako Sae's Phinisi ship on Tuesday 9 May afternoon. About two hours, the group was treated to the beauty of Labuan Bajo which was shrouded in a sunset atmosphere.

On the way, the delegation entourage enjoyed a beautiful view of the island in Labuan Bajo. Such as Bidadari Island, Kalong Island, Taka Island Makassar, Manta Point Island, Kanawa Island, Padar Island, Rinca Island and Komodo Island as the native habitat of Komodo, a rare animal that is the largest lizard in the world.

The phinition ship, which was boarded by the AIPA delegation, approached Kalong Island so that Southeast Asian parliamentary leaders could see bats flying at dusk. It was the natural beauty that Puan deliberately presented as an effort to introduce Indonesian tourist destinations to participants of the 42nd ASEAN Summit, especially the Southeast Asian parliamentary leader.

"Labuan Bajo's charm as we enjoy today lies in the beauty of the sea and its natural scenery, including Komodo National Park. This attraction makes Labuan Bajo a small fishing town and makes it Indonesia's super priority tourist destination," said Puan while sailing with the AIPA delegation.

Labuan Bajo also consists of different traditions, beliefs, and cultures. The value of tolerance that is usually practiced by local communities in Labuan Bajo can be our inspiration to respect each other, and accept our differences," he added.

Not only sailing around the Labuan Bajo area, Puan also invited the Southeast Asian parliamentary leadership to enjoy dinner on the deck of the phinisi ship. While sailing, the AIPA delegation felt the joy of having dinner while sailing in the Indonesian super priority tourist area.

During a casual conversation on the phinisi ship, Puan emphasized the importance of closeness between parliaments throughout Southeast Asia to create solidarity in the region. According to him, friendship can not only be established in meeting rooms, but also in informal places like this.

"I hope that our meeting today is what we do while sailing around the islands and enjoying an amazing sunset, can strengthen our friendly relationship," hoped Puan.

Puan also believes that Labuan Bajo can witness the close relationship between countries in Southeast Asia.

"I hope we all have the perfect combination on this ship between delicious food and drink, fun conversations, live music, and beautiful scenery," said Puan.

On the other hand, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture hopes that the choice of Labuan Bajo as the location for the 42nd ASEAN Summit is expected to be a promotional event for the region. That way, said Puan, the natural beauty and charm of the island in Labuan Bajo can become a tourist destination, especially foreign tourists.

"By promoting natural beauty and unique local culture, this tourist area can attract more visitors and strengthen the tourism industry in East Nusa Tenggara," said the first woman to serve as Chair of the Indonesian Parliament.

Furthermore, Puan emphasized that the DPR continues to be committed to fighting for infrastructure development in Super Priority Tourism Areas in Indonesia. This includes access to transportation, the development of hotels and restaurants, as well as public facilities.

"It is hoped that the profits obtained from the activity of the 42nd ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo can have a positive impact on the progress of tourism and the economy in this region. As well as increasingly introducing the charm of NTT's natural beauty to tourists," said Puan.

After undergoing today's series, the AIPA delegation is scheduled to follow the agenda of the ASEAN-AIPA Leaders Interface Meeting. Puan will deliver AIPA Massage or AIPA messages in front of 11 heads of state in Southeast Asia following Puan's position as President of AIPA in 2023.