TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Mari Elka Pangestu said that the competitiveness of the Indonesian tourism sector had increased in 2013. However, there are two things that hinder growth in tourism business, infrastructure and transportation. "This becomes a work to be done immediately," she said during a visit to Tempo office on Thursday, February 27, 2014.

Data from the World Economic Forum cited that the competitiveness of Indonesian tourism sector had increased from a ranking of 74 (out of 139 countries) in 2011 to 70 (out of 140 countries) in 2013. In Southeast Asia, Indonesia is ahead of the Philippines, Vietnam and Cambodia, in terms of natural resources (ranked 6), pricing (ranked 9) and culture (ranked 30).

However, out of the 16 components in the competitiveness index, three things have not grown significantly for the period of 2011-2013. The infrastructure index for land transportation, as an example, has remained at the level of 3.2 for the past two years. Air transportation infrastructure index increased slightly from 3.2 to 3.5. While the tourism infrastructure and information technology index increased from 2 to 2.1 and 2.5 to 2.7, respectively.

Mari said that the three conditions would be improved in preparation for the launching of the ASEAN Economic Community in 2015. Other than improving the infrastructure, Mari said that she would apply a quality standard to all tourism businesses. ASEAN member states have agreed on a standard for 54 types of businesses and it must be approved by 2016.

As of today, there are only three business sectors in Indonesia that can meet the ASEAN standard. They are hotels, the certification of tourism businesses and the guidelines for Sharia hotel business. "Standard compliance will start to be enforced this year," she said.

This year, the Tourism Ministry will aim for standard compliance for 21 types of businesses, including travel, spa, restaurants, diving, villa and nightclubs. Mari said that next year, the government will strive for standard compliance for 30 types of businesses. "One way is by training the auditors that set the standard," she added.

MAYA NAWANG WULAN | FAIZ NASHRILLAH | FERY FIRMANSYAH