TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno said Indonesia would invite Ukraine to the G20 Tourism Working Group slated for May 11, 2022.

“We assure that [Indonesia] will invite Ukraine, as we know that the tourism sector is a happy sector without any simmering conflicts. We will use this event to embrace them [Ukraine],” Sandiaga said after performing Eid prayers at At Taqwa Mosque on Monday, May 2, 2022.

He said he had kept in touch with his Ukrainian counterpart for the latter’s attendance in the virtual event. He added in the forum Indonesia would touch on the efforts for tourism recovery that were based on society and creative economy as tourism had been the worst-hit sector during the pandemic.

Globally, the number of tourists in 2020 plunged by one billion people or 74 percent compared to the previous year. “As for the G20 strategy, we assure that Indonesia is on track to economic recovery,” he explained.

He added the country would not be affected by issues of discord and would also invite Ukraine to the side event summits that would take place in stages until November 2022.

“The President [Joko Widodo] has the initiative to invite Ukraine,” Sandiaga Uno said.

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FRANCISCA CHRISTY ROSANA