"This is in accordance with our projection, and we are thankful that the figure is beyond our target, fitting with the addition of flights and seats are continually increasing," said Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno.
Earlier, the minister revised the target for foreign tourist visits in 2023 from 7.4 million to 8.5 million due to a stronger momentum.
According to Uno, if the results of the first quarter can be maintained, then by the end of the year, the number of foreign tourist arrivals can reach 9 million, exceeding the target of 8.5 million.
"It must be consistently monitored," he stated.
However, Uno also reminded of the decline in tourist visits due to the low season.
"After summer, there will be a time when visits are scarce (low season), which must be anticipated prior to the peak season at the end of the year," he said.
"That target is in accordance with the existing projection, and we are increasingly certain that 4.4 million new job vacancies can be created in 2024. We are so optimistic," the minister added.
Statistics Indonesia (BPS) recorded that in March this year, 809,960 foreign tourists visited parts of Indonesia. The figure reflected an increase of 15.39 percent compared to the previous month.
Malaysians accounted for the highest percentage of tourists (15.39 percent), followed by Singapore (13.74 percent), Australia (11.87 percent), Timor Leste (7.85 percent) and China (6.42 percent).
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Translator: Sinta Ambarwati, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Anton Santoso
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