For instance, the visit of MV "The World" solely contributed Rp25 million (someUS$1,800) to the government of Raja Ampat District, M. Said Soltief, head of the Raja Ampat One-Stop Investment and Integrated Services (PTSP) Office, remarked here on Thursday.
Hence, to ensure that the cruise ship visits benefit Raja Ampat, involvement of the local community, particularly local tour guides, who are members of the Indonesian Tour Guide Association (HPI), as the official organization of tour guides, is deemed crucial.
"We are upbeat about MV The World cruise ship involving the HPI, so that tourist activities in Raja Ampat District would run smoothly," he noted.
Raja Ampat District Head Abdul Faris Umlati expressed shock on finding out that the large cruise ship visiting the scenic Raja Ampat solely contributed Rp25 million.
He is optimistic that the central government would give full authority to the regional government to regulate matters pertaining to tourism based on a sustainable concept, so that it benefits the local community today and in future.
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Translator: Ernes Kakisina, Fardah
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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