TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno asserted that debating issues that potentially divide the unity or cause counterproductiveness on social networking sites is unnecessary.

“Such as a misunderstood debate in social media, according to Pak Luhut (Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment), regarding religious or spiritual-based tourism and sharia-based or halal tourism is very unnecessary,” said Sandiaga in a voice recording received by Tempo on Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020.

The new minister called on all parties to join hands and ensure that the recovery of the tourism sector and the creative economy can serve as the locomotive in opening up the widest possible job opportunities.

He added that Luhut asked him to cooperate with various parties to develop five super-priority tourist destinations, including with Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono for infrastructure preparation and Transportation Minister Budi Karya Sumadi for interconnection of transportation to tourist destinations.

It was also fundamental to pay more attention to talents or human resources in the tourism sector and the creative economy, especially in terms of education, Sandiaga argued.

“We can collaborate with Pak Nadiem (Education and Culture Minister) regarding the development of tourism polytechnic,” he said.

As for health issues, Sandiaga Uno was keen to synergize with Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin to develop medical tourism.

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HENDARTYO HANGGI