Tourism boosts international ties: Soeharto

Tourism boosts international ties: Soeharto

JAKARTA (JP): Tourism, which has become a major source of
foreign exchange revenue and new job opportunities in many
countries, can also enhance international cooperation, President
Soeharto said yesterday.

"It is with a view to encouraging mutual understanding and
cooperation amongst nations that we develop the tourism
industry," Soeharto said in a keynote address to the 50th
Conference of the International Federation of Airline Pilots'
Association in Bali yesterday.

"In our opinion, tourism will not only raise our foreign
exchange earnings and open wider employment opportunities, but
also enhance closer international relations," he said.

The conference, which will proceed until March 28, is being
attended by more than 300 pilots from 60 countries. In addition,
representatives from airline industry and aircraft manufacturers
have also sent their observers to Bali.

The conference is to discuss flight safety, flight synergy,
aircraft operation and design, airports and their facilities,
plane accidents and other issues related to the profession of
pilots.

Soeharto said promoting cooperation with all nations,
irrespective of their political system, is one of Indonesia's
current national development efforts.

"We believe that through cooperation among nations, we can
participate in the establishment of a world order based on
independence, peace and social justice ... It is the demand of
time that cooperation among nations ensures international justice
and the progress of every nation."

Indonesia's own tourist industry has been growing rapidly in
recent years and, he said, in line with national development
efforts.

Last year, the number of foreigners visiting Indonesia
exceeded four million for the first time, up from 3.5 million in
1993 and 2.2 million in 1990, he pointed out.

Indonesia possesses many areas suitable for leisure, rest and
recreation, he said. "We have beautiful and sun-drenched beaches
and scenic mountains. We inherited traditions rich with noble
values of life. Our local dances are colorful and varied."

"We are developing these areas as tourist destinations," he
said, stressing however that the Indonesian government is also
paying close attention to preserving and conserving these areas
and their environmental properties. (emb)