Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has called on the East Nusa Tenggara government to prepare the Labuan Bajo area for holding a side event at the G20 Summit.

The request was made in accordance with President Joko Widodo's directives pertaining to the implementation of G20 Summit scheduled in November 2022, Pandjaitan noted in a statement.

"Last night, the president gave me instructions to report here. (He) also entrusted the implementation of the G20 Summit in November 2022. Later, the G20 2022 side event will be held here for a few days. Hence, I am optimistic that Mr. Governor and Mr. District Head, both of you really prepare it," the minister noted in his remarks at Puncak Waringin, Labuan Bajo, NTT, on Friday.

Pandjaitan additionally requested the local government to initiate the tree-planting process, so that the trees would be lush and well-grown when the G20 Summit takes place next year.

The minister also drew attention to the importance of keeping the tourism destinations clean and to this end urged the local government to invite the public to partake in the process of maintaining the cleanliness and beauty of Labuan Bajo.

"We will clean the port later. The district head urged the residents to relocate. Yesterday, the minister of PUPR agreed, and we will immediately execute it. The 890-km road will also be opened. Hence, the central government does its share. I call upon the regional government to also do its part. Just do something, work hard. Do not talk too much, as there's no point if we do not execute what is discussed," he affirmed.

The government is developing Labuan Bajo as a super premium tourist attraction. Keen to showcase Labuan Baju to world leaders, President Jokowi is planning to host ASEAN and G20 Summits at the site.

Indonesia is scheduled to hold the presidency of the G20 and the chairmanship of ASEAN in 2023. Related news: 2022 G20 Summit to positively impact Labuan Bajo's creative economy
Related news: Telecommunication facilities developed ahead of 2023 G20 Summit


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Translator: Ade Irma J, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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