TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, said that two ride-hailing app firms, Grab Indonesia and Go-Jek, interested to help the government promote five priority tourist destinations.

“They offer two to four-day tourism package on their applications. Not only Lake Toba but also other priority tourist sites,” said the Coordinating Minister on Monday, July 22.

Luhut outlined the five destinations are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Manado in North Sulawesi.

He reiterated that the government is preparing and repairing the tourist sites, from the cleanliness to the infrastructure such as the roads and culinary spots. “We are collaborating with related ministries, and hopefully all will be completed this year,” he added.

Luhut then expressed appreciation toward Grab and Go-Jek for joining the program as the government should not have to spend a budget for the promotion.

Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil seconded Luhut’s statement. Sofyan said that the government is cooperating with Grab Indonesia in promoting Lake Toba.

“Grab has a program about the promotion of various countries and regions, and Pak Luhut wants to hear what the firm can contribute,” said Sofyan in the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs office, Central Jakarta, Monday, July 22.

EKO WAHYUDI | RR ARIYANI