Speaking to reporters in Jakarta on Tuesday, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, remarked that permits for national events will be released around 14 days before the event day, and 21 days for international events.
He emphasized the need for digitization of the permit system, as many event organizers had complained of receiving permits only a few hours prior to their events.
He acknowledged that Indonesia's event licensing process was more difficult than that of neighboring countries, such as Singapore and Thailand. This was also the main reason behind Indonesia being able to offer only one concert date for the British band, Coldplay, in Jakarta.
"Coldplay will only have one show here because of the licensing process," he stated.
Last February, President Joko Widodo urged police and local governments to accelerate sports, cultural events, and concerts permits to encourage public spending and boost national economic growth.
He also pressed for the implementation of an electronic-based one-stop licensing service for arts and sports events.
The permit digitization pilot project will be trialed in September and evaluated periodically, making it easier for organizers to secure permits for their events.
With easier and faster licensing procedures, the government is optimistic about expanding around 3,000 events this year with an estimated economic value of Rp197 trillion (approximately US$9.9 billion).
If the digitalization of licensing is implemented, the efficiency and economic value added from organizing events can generate an additional Rp17 trillion (approximately US$1.1 billion), Uno remarked.
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Translator: Shofi Ayudiana
Editor: Anton Santoso
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