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)