A blow to our tourist industry

A blow to our tourist industry

The United States, Australia, the Netherlands, Belgium and
Japan have once again cautioned their citizens not to visit
Indonesia. This alert was issued because of the uncertain
political situation in this country, and because unrest and
clashes have occurred in a number of places, including the
Semanggi and Ketapang areas of Jakarta.

Although this time the warning was not accompanied by
preparations for an evacuation, travel business operators expect
this travel alert to have a wider negative impact (on tourism)
than the alert issued last May by these same governments. This
time, the warning is based more on the consideration that the
unrest is the result of the (deteriorating) political situation,
as reflected, for example, in the Ketapang incident. The problem
is made worse by the fact that the foreign media has been
presenting the Ketapang incident as one stemming from ethnic,
religious, racial and group differences.

We, as Indonesian citizens, can see for ourselves how the
current situation has given cause for grave concern, and, indeed,
has become rather frightening. Acts of destruction, arson, crime
and ever murder appear to have become the only stories presented
by our media. In such a situation, investors and tourists are
sure to shun Indonesia -- even without a travel alert.

How long is this going to last? This is the question that all
members of this nation must ask themselves. Is this the kind of
reform we want?

-- Bisnis Indonesia, Jakarta