"We emphasize the importance of tourism development in economic revival and creating job opportunities that are in line with quality and sustainable national tourism goals. In this case, the West Kalimantan Governor, Sutarmidji, has chosen mangroves as a tourist attraction. I believe this mangrove tourism is part of the new economy that we must compile," Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said in Pontianak on Wednesday.
Mangrove tourism, which is included in ecotourism, is a major issue currently, especially amid the implementation of the G20, where Indonesia is raising the issue of environmental sustainability as part of its Presidency agenda, he noted.
He said this is also in line with President Joko Widodo's direction to make Indonesia the epicenter of an environmental sustainability-based economy.
"We will help to develop, including coordinate across ministries such as the Ministry of Environment and the Ministry of Communication and Informatics, to collect data. We want to develop mangrove-based tourism and become part of the new economy," he remarked.
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He further said his ministry will support tourism development in Temajuk, Sambas district, West Kalimantan.
Temajuk is one of the tourist destinations with potential, he noted. The village is located in the northernmost region of Sambas district and is directly adjacent to Malaysia, making it a favorite among tourists from Malaysia, he added.
Uno said he will tap several other potentials and develop the location given its scenic beauty.
"We have to build the infrastructure and we have to develop it on a community-based basis. The tourist villages must be able to open up business opportunities. For micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) products, we will help to digitalize their products to create more job opportunities," he informed.
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Meanwhile, West Kalimantan Governor Sutarmidji said tourism is one of the main sectors supporting the economy of West Kalimantan, which recorded an economic growth of 4.78 percent last year, higher than the national average of 3.6 percent growth.
"There are 325 tourist destinations in West Kalimantan, and it is mostly natural tourism, and mangroves in West Kalimantan, I can say, are the largest in Indonesia. So, the tourism sector is one of the main attractions in West Kalimantan, and this must really be managed properly," he said.
He emphasized that packaging and promotion are important to introduce West Kalimantan tourism to the wider community. Therefore, collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is needed, he said.
"We have a lot of potential. Tourism must be developed so that we do not continue to rely on nature," he added. (
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Translator: Rendra Oxtora, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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