The ministry`s marketing director general, Sapta Nirwandar, said here Friday, he had not yet conveyed the offer to Gere personnaly.
"We plan to do it after giving a chance to Richard Gere to know Indonesia better," Sapta told the press.
A special welcoming reception will be prepared for Richard Gere`s visit in Indonesia, June 25-27, 2011.
Gere is a Hollywood actor who has very good credibility, so he is potential to become an Indonesian tourism envoy, according to Sapta.
The tourism ministry has earlier named Microsoft boss Bill Gate,and international marketer Phillip Kotler as Indonesian tourism ambassadors.
"The more world public figures joining as Indonesian tourism ambassadors, the better our tourism promotion will be," Sapta Nirwandar said.
Richard Gere is scheduled to visit Borobudur and Prambanan temples.
The visit of Richard Gere to the temples is expected to help promote Indonesia, Sapta.
"Hopefully, Gere`s visit will attract more foreign tourists to Borobudur Temple," he said.
In Borobudur temple, the actor will join a Morning Peace Walk with Buddha priests.
He will also conduct a boddhi tree planting in the temple area. The co-star of Julia Robert in Pretty Woman will later visit Pawon and Mendut temples.
Gere, a recipient of the Golden Globe Award will be an honor of guest at the Masterpiece of Borobudur Ballet to be performed at an open stage of Aksobya, eastern feet of Borobudur.
"Gere has a lot fans in Asia, the United States and Europe, so his visit hopefully will help promote Borobudur and Prambanan temples world-wide," he said.
Richard Gere, a Buddhist, is also scheduled to meet Culture and Tourism Minister Jero Wacik in Jakarta, and Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X in Yogyakarta Sultanate Palace. Gere will visit Indonesia with his family. (*)
Editor: Aditia Maruli Radja
Copyright © ANTARA 2011
