Mr Bambang Sunaryo and Ms. Shelly Chandhok addressing the media
The Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia through its India office (VITO) has been strategizing on increasing Indian Tourist to the destination! Well it was important for me to attend the event Indonesia being one of the go to destinations in my list not only becasuse of its natural beauty but also to be able to explore the historical and cultural connects we Indians have with this yet another biggest Asian democracy. As I think of Indonesia, tranquil water bodies and mesmerizing landscapes come to my mind immediately. Plus somehow I believe country’s people are very warm and welcoming. You know it is also a market where commodities are available at highly competitive rates.
Mr Bambang Sunaryo and Mr. Sanjay Sondhi
Thinking all this I decided to attend the event and meet authorities of the tourism board of Republic of Indonesia. Mr Bambang Sunaryo-Representative, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia and Mr. Sanjay Sondhi, Country Director of Indonesia Tourist Office and Shelly Chandhok, Country Manager VITO India were present at the event. They took us through important facts of Indonesia and about the cultural and historical connectivity. Below is the snippet of Interaction
Which are the special focus destinations?
Toba Lake is one of the incredible lakes of the world! It is largest in Southeast Asia and one of the deepest in the world. Having a beautiful magnetizing island Samosir in the middle with mountains, waterfalls and more fascinating natural sceneries , Toba lake will enchant your senses to create a memory of lifetime. Medan where many Indians live, is rich in history and culture. Bandung is famous for branded shopping. Jawa is famous for Teak wood, Mahogany and Rosewood.
What commonalities you see in India and Indonesia?
There are many. One of them being Bali Yatra celebrated in Cuttak Odisha to commemorate occasions when mariners would sail to lands of Bali , Sumatra and Java. Many Indians live in Indonesia, there are no language or food problems since you will find Indian employees in almost every sector.
What are the plans for providing direct flight to and from India
Yes, we are aware of this challenge and hence are considering it as an opportunity to catalyse tourism from India.
What are various tourism products?
Three Tourism products have been curated -Nature (Marine, Ecology and Adventure Tourism); Culture (History and Religious, Culinary, and Urban & Country Side Tourism); and Man Made (MICE and Event, Sport and Integrated Resort Tourism). We would like to promote Indoenesia as a destination for Indian weddings.
Mr. Bambang Sunaryo-Representative, Ministry of Tourism, Republic of Indonesia
Important aspects of Tourism in Indonesia
- Free visa for Indians and The 30 days Visa Free facility can be used for government duties, education, social-cultural purposes, tourism, business, family visits and on transit purposes only
- Some of the destinations that will be promoted as tourist destinations are Batam, Bandung, Jawa, Kalimantan, Maluku, Papua, Riau
- Bali and Jakarta attracts tourists that are spending around $1,170
Fast facts about Indonesia
- There are 13,000 islands in Indonesia occupying 1.3% of Earth’s landmass.
- 6% of Earth’s water resources
- 12% of world’s mammals species, 16% reptiles, 17% birds and 25% of fish species
- 237,990 Indian tourists visited Indonesia in 2014 one if the top 10 countries contributing to Indonesia Tourism and grew by 9.84% in 2015
- There are still dragons found in islands of Flores, Komodo, Rinca, Gili Motang and Padar
- Monsoons start from July till December
How to reach Indonesia
- Garuda Indonesia via Singapore;
- Singapore Airlines via Singapore;
- Cathay Pacific via Hong Kong;
- Malaysia Airlines via Kuala Lumpur;
- Thai Airways via Bangkok
So people, hearing all these interesting information, I am all the more excited to visit Indonesia! Would recommend to you as well.
Nidhi KM
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