Tourism Ministry Says Indonesia-New Zealand Relations Strengthened by Matariki Day

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia's Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry stated that Maori New Year or Matariki Day held in Jakarta for the first time helped strengthened diplomatic relations between Indonesia and New Zealand.

Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo noted in a statement here on Saturday that the two countries have established a close friendship based on mutually respectful cooperation.

According to the deputy minister, the two have shared a commitment to global prosperity and peace through the realization of trade and economic, cultural exchanges, and environmental conservation partnerships.

"I hope that the Maori New Year is a momentum to establish closer friendship bonds and cooperation between the two countries in various sectors, including the tourism and creative economy sectors," Tanoesoedibjo affirmed.

Meanwhile, she highlighted that the tourism and creative economy sectors have become major economic drivers on the global stage and played an important role in preserving the culture and supporting sustainable development goals.

The deputy minister stated that New Zealand is a country where the tourism and creative industry sectors integrate harmoniously, thereby becoming a magnet for tourists from different parts of the world.

"We all know that one of the most notable cinematic achievements is The Lord of the Rings which was filmed in New Zealand, and it attracts tourists globally," she remarked.

The Matariki Day celebration in Jakarta, initiated by the Embassy of New Zealand to Indonesia, is a unique and special event.

Matariki Day is determined by the appearance of the Matariki star cluster in the New Zealand skies during the mid-winter months.

Usually, New Zealanders gather with their family and relatives to reflect on the past year's events, celebrate the present, and plan for the next year.

Matariki is also enlivened with various warm social activities, such as sharing food, singing, and telling stories.

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