Mr. (President) Joko Widodo (Jokowi) must have some reasons for choosing Labuan Bajo as the host of (the 42nd) ASEAN Summit later.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-owned Enterprises (SOEs) Minister Erick Thohir stated that the Labuan Bajo super priority tourism destination (DPSP) in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province could follow the success of Bali Island as a prominent tourism destination.

"I believe that Labuan Bajo will be ‘The Next Bali’. Mr (President) Joko Widodo (Jokowi) must have some reasons for choosing Labuan Bajo as the host of (the 42nd) ASEAN Summit later," he remarked during a media gathering here on Wednesday.

Hence, Thohir spoke of currently reviewing the works of several SOEs, including construction and tourism enterprises, in developing the tourism destination.

Furthermore, the minister highlighted the development of Tana Mori as one of the tourism areas in Labuan Bajo.

His ministry and related state-run companies are conducting a study to review the development plan of the area to enhance the development of Tana Mori.

"We are reviewing Tana Mori to be developed like the Nusa Dua area (in Bali)," Thohir remarked.

He noted that three aspects -- the local tourism potentials, infrastructure readiness, and involvement of the community -- were prioritized in the development of the Labuan Bajo DPSP.

Hence, collaboration among the central government, local governments, state-owned corporations, and private sectors is deemed necessary to bolster the three aspects.

"Regional governments and private sectors need to provide training for the community, so they will be ready (to optimize the local tourism potentials),” the minister stated.

“Meanwhile, SOEs will help to build (the tourism destination to become) an integrated area. It is because Labuan Bajo is ‘The Next Bali’. It has been evident, as the seaport has been opened, and the airport continues to be improved," he stated.

The 42nd ASEAN Summit is scheduled to be held on May 9-11, 2023, and attended by the heads of state of ASEAN member countries. The number of delegates accompanying the heads of state is estimated to reach 550.

Some locations in Labuan Bajo have been determined to host the series of activities of the summit, such as Meruorah Labuan Bajo Hotel as the main venue for the summit and Puncak Waringin for the Spouse Program.

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Translator: Aji Cakti, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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