Jakarta, a tourist haven

Jakarta, a tourist haven

From Neraca

I noticed a banner in Pasaraya Sultan Agung. I was more
puzzled afterwards when a radio broadcast announced a tourist
sale in Pasaraya.

The sale expanded to Ramayana, Matahari, even Walmart. So why
don't we make Jakarta a shopping city, since most malls are
holding jumbo sales.

Tourist shopping is, in my opinion, a huge project to be
tackled together. Why is such an important project not being
promoted by the department of tourism? Promotion efforts could be
extended to Bandung, Bogor, Yogyakarta and to other major cities.
Or promotions could be held abroad. Jakarta could then compete
with Singapore, which is Southeast Asia's shopping center.

Jakarta now has more tourists than Singapore. But why has
Jakarta not become the choice for shopping? We should look for
the reason. Not only retail would benefit, but also hotels, the
tax office, transport and restaurants.

It would be nice if the idea to make Jakarta a shopping center
could be put into practice.

DEDI SUDJONO

Jakarta