"Such a program for the tourism sector will start in 2012 and last for the next three years," the tourism and creative economy minister said, adding that funds for the program should be used properly to optimize and promote local culture to foreign tourists.
Therefore, she expressed hope that all public organizations would support the program and work together in the tourism sector to increase the prosperity of all people in the country.
"We have to have one accord in maintaining the survival of the diversity of our cultural heritage," Mari Pangestu said.
She noted that the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy plans to develop at least 960 tourism villages in 2012 and some 2,000 other villages across the country by 2014.
Meanwhile, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sharif Cicip Sutardjo said the ministry would allocate Rp783.52 billion in 2012 for PNPM for maritime and fisheries sector to empower coastal communities, including fishermen.
(Uu.O001/INE)
Editor: Priyambodo RH
Copyright © ANTARA 2012
