Antara, Jakarta – Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno projected that the Christmas and New Year holidays could contribute up to Rp120 trillion toward the national economy.
"Around Rp80 to Rp120 trillion would contribute to the economy," he said on Tuesday in Jakarta.
According to the tourism ministry, the spike in visitors during the Christmas and New Year holidays this year could reach around 107 to 110 million people, with the majority conducting tourism activities amplified by two to two and a half from said estimation.
Out of those numbers, around 200 to 250 million domestic tourist mobility is expected. Statistics Indonesia estimates each of them will spend Rp2.4 to Rp2.5 million during their activities.
Sandiaga hopes that domestic tourist mobility could contribute significantly toward the economy, in line with the government's effort to achieve 5 percent economic growth and 4.4 million new job opportunities in the tourism and creative economy sectors.
Sandiaga stresses that traveling in Indonesia is not only a culinary experience but also directly supporting the local economy.
Hence, he is pushing communities to reap the benefits from local tourism potential as an alternative in the middle of the overseas COVID-19 surge.
Traveling in Indonesia, Sandiaga went on, provides a culinary experience and a comfortable atmosphere. The example given was the Pantjoran Pantai Indah Kapuk or PIK in Jakarta where tourists are able to enjoy worldwide culinary items from Japan, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other countries.
Concerning the COVID-19 spike in ASEAN countries, Sandiaga recommends people consider masking up, washing hands regularly, and social distancing from people for a safe Christmas and New Year holidays.