Tourism Plunges, Erick Thohir to Speed Up Development

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Erick Thohir will look to accelerate the development of tourism facilities, especially in Bali, as a result of the drop in tourist visits due to the coronavirus outbreak.

"Instead of not doing anything, the development [of tourism facilities] must be accelerated," he said during a work visit to the Benoa Harbor on Friday, February 14, 2020.

Erick considered that Bali as the main tourist destination in Indonesia still lacked tourism facilities. According to Erick, there will be two means of transport that can be used by tourists—air and sea—to visit Bali when the development of the Benoa Harbor is completed. "[It’s] still lagging behind," he said.

The Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises will develop the Benoa Harbor, currently managed by Pelindo III, to be ready to welcome the arrival of cruise ships, while also expanding it for a business district.

Erick Thohir also invited entrepreneurs to participate in developing the Benoa Harbor, especially local entrepreneurs, in export activities. "Zone one is specifically for local products. We hope for the participation of entrepreneurs," he said.

Today, Erick Thohir and his entourage conducted a review of the Benoa Port development plan together with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR).

In the afternoon, Erick Thohir also invites seven ministries and two other ministry level institutions to see the Benoa Harbor. "It [the development] is impossible to run well if the ministries do not support it," said Erick Thohir.

Reporter: Made Argawa | Translator: Dio Suhenda