Indonesian Lawmaker Slams Tourism Minister Over Low Foreign Visitor Numbers

A legislator has sharply criticized Indonesia's Minister of Tourism over the nation's ranking in foreign tourist arrivals within ASEAN. Yoyok Riyo Sudibyo, a member of Commission VII of the House of Representatives (DPR), stated that Indonesia currently ranks fifth among ASEAN nations for foreign visitors. He described this position as the lowest or 'tail end.' Sudibyo argued that despite Indonesia's vast and globally recognized tourism potential, including destinations like Labuan Bajo, Raja Ampat, Borobudur, Bali, and Lombok, the country is lagging behind its neighbors. He pointed to issues such as the high cost of domestic air travel, citing the example that flights from Singapore to Bangkok are cheaper than Jakarta to Raja Ampat. Additionally, he noted the significant travel time from airports to tourist attractions. The legislator urged the Ministry of Tourism to coordinate with other agencies, suggesting measures like reducing aviation fuel costs to boost tourism. Sudibyo also questioned the Minister's pride in Indonesia's tourism potential being second only to Malaysia, arguing that current tourism is heavily reliant on domestic visitors. He advocated for relaxing visa requirements for tourists from India, China, and the Middle East, drawing parallels with Malaysia and Thailand's more open visa policies. Meanwhile, Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana asserted that developing quality and sustainable tourism remains a priority for the ministry. She emphasized the commitment to optimizing resources to increase tourism's contribution to the national economy, job creation, foreign exchange earnings, and public welfare. The ministry has set targets for foreign tourist arrivals between 17.6-19.1 million, with an average spending per arrival of $1,447-$1,497, and tourism foreign exchange earnings projected at $25.5-$28.6 billion.