This moment is an effort to strengthen collaboration, so that we can achieve better targets and to create wider job opportunities,
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno expects the collaboration between Indonesian and Malaysian tourism associations to bolster the tourism sector of both nations.

"This collaboration is also expected to improve the creative economy sector in Indonesia, especially culinary, because majority of the Malaysian tourists visiting Indonesia are for the culinary tours," he noted here on Monday.

Uno praised the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the Indonesia Tours & Travel Association (ASTINDO) and the Malaysia Association of Tour and Travel Agents (MATTA) that took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The minister expected the cooperation to be able to increase the number of tourism arrivals from Malaysia to Indonesia, with a target of 7.4 million foreign tourists.

The collaboration agenda between the tourism associations in Indonesia and Malaysia will be used to support the national movement programs of the Proud to Travel in Indonesia (BBWI) and Indonesia Spice Up The World ((ISUTW).

In addition to innovation and adaptation, collaboration with the pentahelix elements is important in boosting the tourism sector. The pentahelix approach refers to cooperation that involves the government, community, business world, media, and academicians.

"This moment is an effort to strengthen collaboration, so that we can achieve better targets and to create wider job opportunities," he affirmed.

Malaysia is one of the countries that contributes the highest number of tourists to Indonesia. Nevertheless, Uno pressed for the need to maintain and improve Indonesia's presence in the Malaysian market.

Apart from supporting foreign tourist visits, accelerating tourism cooperation can contribute to Indonesia's foreign exchange and GDP.

On Friday (March 17), Uno launched "Indonesia Spice Up The World" in Kuala Lumpur.

With the opening of the 1,301st Indonesian restaurant in the world that serves the archipelago's unique menu, the government is optimistic that Indonesia's global culinary campaign can reach the target of four thousand restaurants by 2024.

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Translator: Sinta A, Kenzu
Editor: Sri Haryati
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