DILI, 06 april 2022 (TATOLI)— Indonesia – a closed neighbor of Timor-Leste, is considering the application of free VOA (Visa On Arrival) for Timor-Leste that can contribute to increasing visitors and boosting economic growth within borders.
The Indonesia Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, considers applying for a Visa on Arrival for Timor-Leste will contribute to economic growth and boost the number of international tourists visiting Indonesia territory, especially in the border area.
Indonesia considers that the number of visitors will be scaled up and boosts Indonesia’s economic growth. It is focused on tourism sectors in the border area.
Mr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno said after attending an official meeting with the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Timor-Leste, Okto Dorinus Manik on monday (04/04) and discussing (MoU) tourism between two countries which contained “joint promotion”.
“I hope that border tourism, aka cross border tourism, will not only have a positive impact on the Indonesian economy but will also be able to boost the economy and introduce Indonesian tourist destinations on the international stage,” said the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy in his official social media account accessed by Tatoli.
During the meeting, Ambassador Okto awards memorable souvenirs of woven cloth and typical Arabica coffee from TL to the Minister of Tourism and Economy Creativity.
He added that the border area is the most potential tourism destination and is able to attract much tourism, especially from Timor-Leste country.
“VOA will ensure a visit to Indonesia easier or even a Visit Visa with the excuse of entering Indonesia for the purpose of a vacation, business or social visits,” he said.
According to ANTARANEWS on 05 of april, Mr. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno hopes that foreign tourists from neighboring countries, especially Timor Leste can spend some money while visiting various regions in the Republic of Indonesia tourism sectors.
“Timorese tourism will not be a significant expenditure. However, they can be contributed for around 187.71 USD per visit or 31.34 US dollars per day,” he said during a meeting with the Indonesian Ambassador to the emocratic Republic Timor Leste (RDTL), Okto Dorinus Manik, at a media briefing in Jakarta, monday.
Tourists from Timor Leste are advised to buy creative economy products from Indonesia, especially in the province of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), which is a border area, in order to further strengthen the national economy.
Thus, the number of Timorese tourists can increase more. It is known that in 2020 it will reach more than one million tourists.
At the same occasion, he followed up on the tourism memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the two countries which contained “joint promotion” and increased the capacity and competence of human resources.
Various activities in order to boost the economy and create wider job opportunities for the two countries, such as the Border Festival between NTT and Timor-Leste.
“Support around the border, if there is a Border Festival, it will be interesting, so that it will not only increase tourist visits, but also our creative economy products,” he said.
Menparekraf is also considering granting a visit visa on arrival (VOA) for foreign tourists from Timor Leste, especially to the provinces of Bali and NTT, as requested by Ambassador Okto Dorinus.
“I understand very well that Bali is a strategic location for East Timorese tourists to transit or carry out other activities. For visas to visit Bali and NTT, please write a letter, we will raise it at the weekly coordination meeting (coordination meeting) for us to follow up,” he said.
Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno stated that he would coordinate with various related parties to provide direct flights from Timor Leste to several regions in Indonesia, such as Bali, Surabaya, Jakarta, and Medan.
Ambassador Okto Dorinus hopes that the tourism MoU can be concluded soon, considering that Timor-Leste has already approved the decision. “Our party has agreed, we just have to wait for a decision from Indonesia,” he said.
Journalist: José Belarmino De Sá
Editor: Rafy Belo
