TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo instructed Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno to form an Indonesia Tourism Fund. The purpose of said agency is to support the implementation of events, promote tourism, and improve Indonesia's image.

"The agency will be managed carefully and will choose quality international events to boost the local and national economy," Sandiaga said in a press conference today, Monday, December 4, 2023, at Merdeka Palace.

Sandiaga explained that the government would not create a new agency, but rather delegate the tourism fund to the Educational Fund Management Institution (LPDP). Similar to the cultural fund, the tourism fund will involve relevant tourism stakeholders.

The politician from the United Development Party (PPP) stated that the government was targeting to manage Rp2 trillion for its first operational year. The minister also hoped that the presidential regulation concerning the tourism fund could be adopted this month to accelerate the implementation of this agency.

Sandiaga mentioned that the government projected tourism to contribute over Rp220 trillion next year. Tourism Fund, he believed, would not be allotted for a new tourist destination.

"We are focusing on three things, nation branding, tourism promotion, and national-international events," he said.

He added that the agency will propose several prime events such as MotoGP, F1, Power Boat, Aqua Bike, and Jet Ski Championship using the fund. Sandiaga also offered the opportunity for traditional community events such as Pacu Jalur or boat races, and cultural events from eastern Indonesia.

"The Finance Ministry will draft the allocation of the Indonesia Tourism Fund for the next year," he said.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

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