More hostels needed

JAKARTA: More hostels and inexpensive domestic travel schemes for youths are needed to encourage them to travel more throughout the country, a cabinet minister said yesterday.

"The government is making efforts to establish the schemes," State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told The Jakarta Post after receiving Japanese Ambassador Takao Kawakami in his office.

Hayono said more hostels should be built, especially in eastern Indonesia, so youths would have a greater chance to learn about the richness of the country's culture.

"Many of our youths prefer to travel abroad rather than travel throughout the country. I think more hostels and cheaper travel expenses would encourage them to travel the country more," he said.

Hayono raised the idea with Kawakami who was paying him a courtesy call. He called on the Japanese government to support his programs. (aan)