We are pursuing dialogue to increase MICE and also the development of batik in Kampung Laweyan, so that we can increase tourist visits, particularly on the target of creating 1.1 million jobs this year and 4.4 million in 2024Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno expressed keenness that Surakarta City, Central Java, or colloquially known as Solo, would become a leading destination for meeting, incentive, conference, and exhibition (MICE) activities.
The minister made the statement after participating in the "Surakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry Dialogue: Solo as a MICE Destination with Cultural Characteristics" in Surakarta, Central Java.
"We are pursuing dialogue to increase MICE and also the development of batik in Kampung Laweyan, so that we can increase tourist visits, particularly on the target of creating 1.1 million jobs this year and 4.4 million in 2024," he noted as quoted from an official statement on Monday.
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Solo, as one of the leading MICE destinations, has ample potential, as was apparent from the several events ranging from national to international scale, such as the Muhammadiyah's 48th Muktamar, Haul Solo 2022, International Wellness Tourism Conference and Festival 2022, and ASEAN Paragames Solo 2022.
"In future, we can design various international events together. We will conduct revitalization, particularly in organizing MICE, better events organization to make Solo an international event destination," he noted.
The minister also called on the Solo City Chamber of Commerce and Industry to collaborate with the government in developing the region's tourism and creative economy sector, one of which is by holding an international conference on batik.
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The batik industry is deemed to have vast potential and make a significant contribution to the national economy, as it employs 200 thousand workers in 47 thousand batik business units all across Indonesia.
Indonesian batik products are also in high demand by foreign markets; with the export value of batik in 2021 having reached US$46.24 million.
"To develop the national batik industry, the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry along with relevant stakeholders are preparing competency standards for batik creation. The purpose of compiling these competency standards is to improve the quality and competence of batik entrepreneurs' human resources, as well as increase the synergy among stakeholders in batik development," Minister Uno concluded.
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Translator: M Baqir I A, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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