Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia During the Inspection at Likupang Tourism Area, North Sulawesi Province, January 19, 2023
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We have decided to make Likupang area a super priority tourist destination in addition to the other four destinations. Therefore, let me inform you about infrastructure in North Sulawesi. We have improved the airport and now its terminals have a big capacity. From the airport to Likupang, tourists can travel by land and some of the roads have been fixed. The previous route [to Likupang] was too long, but now the roads have been paved [so tourists can take shorter routes]. In addition, the sea route can also shorten the travel duration to Likupang to approximately 15-20 minutes. It will also be faster. Tourists arriving at the airport can take the sea route to arrive here faster. Thus, it can attract investment, attract investors.
And we hope there will be not only one five-star hotel like Marriot but also many other hotels in Likupang area, be it four-star, three-star hotels, or resorts. This atmosphere, in my opinion, will attract many tourists, be it from Europe, from Asia, from China, from Japan, from [South] Korea. I suppose this is an interesting area besides Bali, Labuan Bajo, and other areas.
And we hope the development of this area will be completed soon. I was informed that it will be finished in mid-2023, but the operation will start at the end of this year.
Reporter
Are you optimistic about the revival of the tourism sector, Sir? Because it saw a slowdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
All countries, all tourist destinations experience the same thing. However, Indonesia recovers much faster. Now Bali is already full of tourists. Although the situation is different from before the pandemic, [the number of visitors] has increased by more than 60-70 percent. It also occurs in other areas. We hope that [tourism] will go back to normal as soon as possible so that all tourist destinations can recover and their condition can be better than the pre-pandemic condition.
Reporter
Excuse me, Mr. President. For the scope of North Sulawesi, in your opinion, what needs to be strengthened to boost economic recovery and the tourism sector?
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Economic growth in North Sulawesi is great, above 6 [percent]. It is above the national growth. This is good. We are only reopening the area. For example, the Governor said that tourists from China will be able to travel again as of February. There are three or four planes that are set to enter Indonesia again at the beginning of February. Flights from Singapore have resumed operation. I suppose it will go back to normal, meaning that [the economy of] North Sulawesi will be supported by agriculture and tourism. It will be great.
Reporter
Thank you, Mr. President.
President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
You are welcome.
(DH/MUR)