Jakarta (ANTARA) - Chair of the Indonesian Tourism Scholars Association (ICPI) Azril Azahari stated that the 2023 Archipelagic and Island States (AIS) Forum Summit can be a momentum to improve and promote sustainable marine tourism.

"The Jakarta Provincial Government can focus on the Seribu Islands. The world would adore it if it can be rejuvenated. The Seribu Islands development program must be carried out seriously," Azahari told ANTARA, here on Tuesday.

The AIS Forum Summit will be held on October 10-11, 2023, in Bali, with the theme of "Fostering Collaboration, Enabling Innovation for Our Ocean and Our Future."

The forum will focus on discussing three aspects, namely blue economy development, climate change, and strengthening solidarity between archipelagic and island states.

Azahari explained that Jakarta has huge potential in marine tourism, such as the Seribu Islands. Moreover, the coastal line of Jakarta has a rich history and culture of pre-colonial times.

Azahari emphasized that Jakarta's marine tourism area should be rejuvenated from various aspects, such as the facilities and infrastructure and sea transportation for tourists.

He remarked that marine tourism development in Jakarta should take into account the environmental impact and the ecosystem health that includes coastal communities and the marine life ecosystem.

Jakarta's marine tourism also needs to pay attention to social and economic aspects that are in line with the concept of sustainability promoted by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), he stated.

Azahari also stressed the importance of involving fishing and coastal communities in Seribu Islands and the Jakarta coastline in the efforts to develop marine tourism in order to boost the local economy and welfare.

He also underscored the need to involve tourism experts in marine tourism development and international forums, so that scientifically-based policies can be produced.

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Translator: Rizka K, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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