Jokowi's 10 new Bali's initiative

Many international tourists who visit Indonesia usually head straight to Bali not realising that there are so many other options and locations that are just as good and if not even better! Bali has already attracted tourists from many nations to experience the laid back atmosphere and environment that Bali has become known for. Many people think that Bali is another country in the midst of thousands of islands in Indonesia. Bali offers unique experiences because you can find a mixture of traditional and modern culture. However, many of us do not realise that Bali is a part of Indonesia.

Source: Forbes.com

Realising the economic potential of the tourism sector in this island, Jokowi has initiated the development of other promising places in Indonesia to be as beautiful as Bali. As Indonesia focuses on increasing the number of foreign arrivals, the government launched the Ten New Bali Project in 2016. This project is expected to create 10 new tourist hubs and replicate the economic effects of tourism in Bali in those places.

To help expedite the 10 New Bali's project, the government has also focused on increasing the number of foreign arrivals through large promotions throughout the world showcasing what Indonesia has to offer. Added to this, there has been vast improvements in infrastructure such as transportation and public facilities in these new tourist locations which is creating new employment opportunities for locals. The government has also implemented a visa-free travel policy for 169 countries and promoted a Special Economic Zones (see Special Economic Zones blog post) to attract foreign investors. Hence, this project is predicted to support Indonesian economic growth without devaluing the existing tourist hub of Bali, by creating more jobs, improving infrastructure & access in order to accommodate the goal of 20 million foreign arrivals by 2020.

Source: Whatsnewindonesia.com

The promising destinations known as the ”10 New Bali’s” are listed below and highlight their potential and scope to become outstanding tourism attractions. Each place selected has distinct special features that with different types of development, have the potential to be the next major tourist destinations in Indonesia.

1. Lombok Mandalika (West Nusa Tenggara) A specially designed tourism economic zone is located in a part of the Central Lombok Regency. With excellent proximity to an international airport, this place will be the home to a world-class Moto GP track in 2021.

2. Borobudur (Central Java) Borobudur is a Buddhist temple complex of renowned importance, comparable to the world-famous temples of Bagan in Myanmar and Angkor Wat in Cambodia. Housing ancient painted reliefs and Buddha statues. It promises to put Indonesia on the circuit of cultural world heritage tourism.

3. Lake Toba (North Sumatra)  The largest lake in Indonesia is set in an area of immense serenity with ample opportunity for the continued expansion of its shores. Activities will include boating water sports, and it also acts as a base from which to tour surrounding attractions, such as adjacent pine forests, waterfalls and museums, where you can learn about the local ways of life.

4. Tanjung Lesung (Banten) Situated on the western tip of Java, just 160 KM from Indonesia’s capital of Jakarta, this forthcoming beach destination will be a sought after holiday destination offering 5 start resorts and accommodation, from where you can jet-ski, surf, snorkel or travel to see the famous Krakatoa Volcano, a short boat ride away.

5. The Thousand Islands (Jakarta)  This scattering of 110 small islands stretches out some 45 kilometres into the Java Sea. This place offers a perfect mix of marine activity and heritage tourism, where you can see historical remnants left behind from Dutch colonial fortresses to a centre dedicated to the study of seaweed.

6. Tanjung Kelayang Beach (Bangka Belitung Islands)  Immense rock formations litter this unique beach location with its crystalline waters, undeveloped coastline and landmark white lighthouse, making it an attractive location for a further enterprise.

7. Mount Bromo (East Java) An active volcano and a natural wonder perfect for adventure seekers, Mount Bromo is an area where earthquakes and eruptions frequently occur. Already offering hiking tours, visitors can choose to scale the volcano as a group, or independently. This place is a potential destination of exquisite once in a lifetime adventure travel.

8. Labuan Bajo (East Nusa Tenggara)  The capital of West Manggarai Regency provides ample opportunities for visitors to experience what life is like in a small scale rural Indonesian setting. Known as a fishing village located on the western side of Flores Island, its local population is eager to engage with visitors, offering boat trips or tours of the local school.

9. Wakatobi (South Sulawesi) Sits among a beachy oasis of colourful coral reefs, there is ample room for executive style development in this location as five stars amenities are already provided. Wakatobi is all about a self-styled exclusive dive site resort.

10. Morotai Island (North Maluku) This island is known as the “Spice Islands” and has panoramic views with a seemingly endless 16 KM white shale beach. Morotai sits among the type of untapped raw beauty that is desired to be developed with sensitivity and creative thought.

From these ten places, Lombok Mandalika, Borobudur Temple and Lake Toba are the first priority locations to be developed. The development of infrastructure and improved access is well underway in these priority locations. An international airport, 5-star resorts, and International Circuit Track (Moto GP) have been developed in Mandalika. A new international airport in Yogyakarta has been launched this year and the development of cultural heritage sites has been started. A new international airport and the expanded runway have been opened for the public in North Sumatra that shortens the trip from hours of travel by air and road to a short 2-hour flight.

In summary, the Ten New Bali Project will generate more opportunities for business and new investments because Indonesia is so much more than Bali. Indonesia will be more happy to welcome investors with great ideas to turn their dreams to be a reality by starting a new business and carrying out their plan in those designated areas. If you have any questions or would like to know more, please contact us here.

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