TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Indonesia has scrapped the proposal to collect tourism fees through airline tickets. Travelers can breathe a sigh of relief as this means no additional burden will be added to ticket prices.
This news came after Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno attended an internal meeting with President Joko Jokowi Widodo at the Jakarta Presidential Palace Complex on Monday, July 8, 2024.
“It was just an idea that wasn't pursued further, and there was no discussion about it. There's no need for the public to worry about tourism fees on airline tickets,” Sandiaga said.
He explained that the public response to the initial proposal had been addressed by the President, who directed the ministry not to burden tourists with such a levy.
The Beginning of the Tourism Fee Proposal
Sandiaga further confirmed that the levy discourse did not originate from his ministry or the Ministry of Transportation.
“We can say that the proposal wasn't put forward by us, nor by the Ministry of Transportation,” he stated.
He had earlier revealed that the idea of collecting tourism fees through plane tickets stemmed from a letter circulated by the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment headed by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan. The letter invited various parties to discuss the possibility of such a levy.
Tourism Endowment Fund
During the internal meeting, Sandiaga recalled that President Jokowi instructed the formation of the Indonesia Quality Tourism Fund (IQTF) program. This initiative will be funded by a dedicated endowment of approximately Rp2 trillion.
These funds will be used to support tourism events with the potential to attract visitors and stimulate economic growth within tourist destinations. “The initial amount agreed upon is Rp2 trillion, and that will be managed by the Ministry of Finance starting from the 2025 State Budget,” Sandiaga Uno said.
The launch of this tourism endowment fund, specifically intended to finance international tourism events, is expected in August 2024.
ANTARA
Editor’s Choice: Singapore Listed as Country with Strongest Passport, Here's How the Rest of Southeast Asia is Ranked
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
Flores Island Aims to Become Indonesia's Catholic Tourism Destination
7 jam lalu
Labuan Bajo Flores Authority Board is keen to make Flores Island in East Nusa Tenggara as main destination for Catholic religious tourism in Indonesia
A Culinary Adventure in Bali: 10 Must-Try Popular Dishes
17 jam lalu
Bali's allure goes beyond its breathtaking landscapes. Check out the 10 most popular dishes on the island.
Ecotourism in Jember: Enjoying Mountainous Natural Beauty and Scenic Rivers
3 hari lalu
Rimba Camp Adventure Ecotourism in Jember is one of the new tourist destinations offering stunning natural beauty and a scenic mountainous environment
Singapore Introduces 7 New Travel Experiences
5 hari lalu
The Singapore Tourism Board recently announced new tourism products. Read on to explore a collection of exciting experiences to add to your itinerary.
Tourism Minister Expects Riau Islands to Start 'Visa on Arrival' in July
10 hari lalu
The Tourism Minister expects implementation of the 'Visa on Arrival' facility at immigration entry gates in Riau Islands would start in July 2024
Riau Islands Poised to Become Indonesia's Golf Tourism Hub, Minister Says
10 hari lalu
Indonesia's Tourism Minister Sandiaga uno says that Riau Islands is poised to become a golf tourism hub in Indonesia.
Sandiaga Uno Invites China Travel Agencies to Increase Tour Packages to Indonesia
10 hari lalu
Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno invited travel agencies in China to increase their tour packages to Indonesia.
6 Suggestions for Child-Friendly Nature Tourism in Bandung
14 hari lalu
The following are Tempo's recommendations for child-friendly nature tourism in Bandung.
Indonesia's West Sumatra Holds Multiethnic Festival to Revive Tourism
16 hari lalu
The 2024 Multiethnic Festival was held at the Adityawarman Museum in Padang to revive tourism in West Sumatra, Indonesia.
5 Countries with Affordable Tourism for World Travelers on a Budget
18 hari lalu
Some countries offer memorable yet affordable experiences on a budget that won't break travelers' bank accounts, read on to find out the list.