Parekraf Minister Encourages Tourism Authority Boards to Expand Collaboration

Jakarta, InfoPublik - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno encourages Tourism Authority Boards' (BOP) president directors to expand development project financing collaboration with private entities.

In a virtual Kickoff Briefing on the Potential Partnership of the Government and Business Entities, Wednesday (2/24), Sandiaga said that this collaboration is significant to develop three tourism super-priority destination areas (DSP), namely Borobudur, Lake Toba, and Labuan Bajo.

"One of the financing methods that I have always applied and I want to introduce to the Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry is the partnership between the government and business entities," Sandiaga said.

President Joko Widodo had approved this partnership, said Sandiaga. He also assessed that it would be a very effective financing method for preparing DSPs' supporting infrastructure and operational management.

"This partnership can change the past paradigm in infrastructure providers from previously only by the government, now with the private entities. We can discuss it in detail in this meeting. Thus, we need to commit to this partnership," Sandiaga said.

The government had reallocated the 2021 State Budget (APBN) to handle the COVID-19 outbreak that this partnership is suitable to the current pandemic situation, he said.

"I expect this partnership between Parekraf Ministry and private entities could remain to prioritize innovation, adaptation, and collaboration, with also public involvement. The target for partnership contract signing will be around May 2021, so in May, we can start something," Sandiaga said.

On that occasion, Sandiaga also requested that each BOP and related deputies within the Parekraf Ministry form a team to review matters related to this partnership.

The meeting participants were the Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development of Parekraf Ministry Hari Santosa Sungkari, Deputy Secretary for Industry and Investment of Parekraf Ministry Ahmad Rekotomo, Acting President Director of Toba Lake BOP Reza Fahlevi, President Director of Borobudur BOP Indah Juanita, and President Director of Labuan Bajo BOP Shana Fatina. (Photo: Parekraf Ministry's Public Relations)

Author: Untung S

Editor: Wawan Budiyanto

Translator: Wilda Stiana