Garuda and tourism

Garuda and tourism

From Kompas

President Soeharto's end-of-year speech stressed that the year 1996 is the year of sea and air exploration. These two sectors are expected to bring in foreign exchange, as they are closely related to tourism and its promotion.

As far as tourism is concerned, I feel that the authorities have not been aggressive enough in promoting the country. If we go to the Netherlands by KLM, a few moments before the aircraft lands at Schiphol airport, the passengers are entertained with a video film about the Netherlands, so that those who come to the country for the first time will know a little about the country.

In contrast, I feel that Indonesia is inadequately promoted. When we fly with Garuda from Europe to Indonesia the passengers are only provided with a magazine about Indonesia. Would it not be much better and more effective if Garuda showed a video on Indonesia, which is rich in fauna and flora and is inhabited by a great variety of ethnic groups, each possessing a unique culture?

SLAMET RYANTO

Jakarta