I have seen progress on the field. In my opinion, it is not fast, it is still slow
Magelang, Central Java (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has viewed the progress in development of four priority tourist destinations as slow, both from the aspects of physical construction and managerially.

"I have witnessed progress on the field. In my opinion, it is not fast, it is still slow," Jokowi remarked while chairing a limited cabinet meeting to discuss development of the four priority tourist destinations here on Friday.

Labuan Baju in East Nusa Tenggara, Toba Lake in North Sumatra, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, and Borobudur Temple complex are the four priority tourist destinations.

Once the development of infrastructure, such as airports and roads, is completed, connectivity will be ensured.

"After the connectivity is completed, I will call for improving land spatial management in the destinations, including the master plan and detailed plan for the development of the tourism area. They must be completed," he stated.

Jokowi made assurance of following the entire progress in development of the four destinations every three months.

Related news: President Jokowi chairs limited cabinet meeting on tourism in Magelang

Jokowi has outlined a target to complete the development of four priority tourist destinations in 2020 to coincide with the completion of airport construction.

"Here, when the Yogyakarta airport is completed in March, Borobudur will also be ready, so then the promotion will be conducted," he stated.

The president remarked that a restriction will be in place for the number of tourists climbing to the top of Borobudur Temple in future.

Among the attendees at the meeting were Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya, Deputy Foreign Minister AM Fachir, Deputy Finance Minister Mardiasmo, Agrarian and Spatial Planning Minister Sofyan Djalil, State Enter Prises (BUMN) Minister Rini Soemarno, Environmental Affairs and Forestry MinisterSiti Nurbaya, Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, and Governor of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X.

Borobudur Temple is known worldwide for its primeval and gigantic mountain-shape building, beautiful reliefs, statues, and stupas. The world's largest Buddhist temple has gained worldwide popularity, especially after the site of worship was included on the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s World Heritage list in 1991.

Constructed during the reign of a king from the Saliendra Dynasty between 750 and 842 AD, the temple is located in Mendut Village, Magelang District, Central Java Province, some 42 kilometers from Yogyakarta, at the center of Java Island.

Related news: Four priority tourist destinations to be developed by 2020

Translator: Agus Salim, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2019