VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno has said that his ministry will focus on ensuring the safety and security of foreign and domestic tourists during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

"Regarding Christmas and New Year, it (the focus) has shifted. If, last year, the focus was the readiness in health (aspect), this time, still in the CHSE (Cleanliness, Health, Safety, Environment, Sustainability) concept, the focus is on safety and security," he said at the Presidential Palace here on Monday.

Uno made the statement after attending a limited meeting on the preparations for Christmas and New Year, which was led by President Joko Widodo.

"Therefore, tourism facilities, tourist attractions, and creative economy centers must ensure the safety and security so that tourists, whose number is predicted to reach more than 40 million, can carry out tourism activities safely, comfortably, and of course, pleasantly," he said.

According to him, the preparations for Christmas and New Year holidays have reached the final stage, and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will ensure that tourism and creative economy activities run safely, comfortably, and pleasantly during the holiday period.

The minister also informed that events, including music concerts, will be allowed to take place to push the economy and open business and job opportunities in the country.

There has been an increase in the length of stay of foreign tourists, whose number so far has reached 3.6 million, Uno noted.

"The length of stay has moved from an average of three days before the pandemic to above ten days now," he said.

He further noted that this could have a positive impact on the economy, with tourism revenue now expected to reach above the target of US$1.7 billion to around US$6 billion.  (anraeanews)