Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, invited the Japanese government to strengthen collaboration and cooperation in sustainable tourism development. Sandiaga emphasized the importance of collaboration in the development of the creative economy as a sector that offers more investment opportunities in Indonesia. He made this statement during a meeting with the Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, in Tokyo, Japan. Sandiaga mentioned that President Joko Widodo and Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga had previously agreed to establish a crucial business travel corridor between the two countries. "Collaboration in the development of tourism between the two countries can be realized soon, beginning with the launch of direct flights from Tokyo to Jakarta and Bali," Sandiaga stated, as quoted in a press release on October 28, 2023.
He explained that Indonesia is currently intensifying the development of the tourism and creative economy sector, focusing on green and sustainable tourism concepts. Despite Indonesia going through the election period, Sandiaga stressed that it is currently the best time to invest in the Indonesian tourism sector, thanks to its investment-friendly regulations. Moreover, Indonesia has long been a favored destination for Japanese tourists. Some of the popular destinations include Bali, Jakarta, Yogyakarta, Labuan Bajo, Bintan, and more. In addition to investment opportunities, Sandiaga highlighted the importance of collaboration in promoting tourism between the two countries. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, the number of Japanese tourists visiting Indonesia averaged around 520,000 people per year, while the number of Indonesian tourists visiting Japan was quite substantial, reaching 920,000 people per year. "With this, we invite Japanese tourists to come to Indonesia, especially to visit our five priority destinations, including Lake Toba, Borobudur, Mandalika, Likupang, and Labuan Bajo," Sandiaga Uno stated. Japanese Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transportation, and Tourism, Tetsuo Saito, welcomed the collaboration and saw opportunities for both countries to jointly develop the tourism sector. Furthermore, alongside China and South Korea, Indonesia and Japan have been appointed as members of the UNWTO Executive Council for the 2023-2027 term, representing the East Asia and Pacific region.
