Denpasar, Bali (ANTARA) - Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno on Monday said that his ministry has initiated several programs and policies to encourage the realization of quality and sustainable tourism.

"We have several tourism polytechnics that provide training and education for people to improve their skills and working capacities to support sustainable practices," he said, according to a statement published by his ministry on Monday.

He made the remarks while virtually attending the "AIS Blue Economy High-Level Dialogue: Forging A New Era Of Sustainable Growth," a side event of the 2023 AIS 1st High-Level Meeting (HLM), which will be held in Bali on October 10 and 11.

Indonesia is hosting the 1st HLM to invite AIS nations to discuss common challenges, such as rising sea levels, climate change, and maritime governance.

Uno said that the ministry's tourism programs have the purpose of reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources as well as local wisdom and culture.

The ministry is focusing on creating creative economy programs that can provide a space for encouraging creativity, bolstering innovation, and strengthening intellectual property, he said.

At the side event, he invited all parties to continue to collaborate and focus on the long-term vision and commitment to sustainable development.

"I believe that integrating creativity, culture, and sustainable principles will unlock growth potential while maintaining our identity of diversity and wealth in nature," he said.

Meanwhile, the ministry's deputy for industry and investment, Rizki Handayani, said that the ministry has a strong commitment to exploring the best practices in decarbonization and climate action in the tourism sector and a strong responsibility toward sustainability and climate resilience.

She said she hoped that the "AIS Blue Economy High-Level Dialogue" side event would guide the direction of sustainable tourism development.

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Translator: Sinta A, Kenzu
Editor: Tia Mutiasari
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