Dutch tourists prebook their trips at travel agencies in the Netherlands so when trips are canceled or rerouted to other Asian destinations which have a more tourist-friendly attitude we may conclude these people canceled because of the new anti-porn law.
I am afraid its going to get a lot worse for Indonesia's tourism industry next year. Before the implementation of the anti-porn law it had already been quite difficult for Indonesian-and foreign-owned travel agencies to motivate potential holiday makers to choose our country as their preferred holiday destination.
Visit Indonesia 2008 was an overall disappointment for the industry. Perhaps the organizers are "proud" of the fact that 60 foreign buyers attended but it's a false pride. ITB-Asia in Singapore succeeded in getting over 800 foreign buyers to their first event in October. These buyers do not need to be "motivated" with discounted airline tickets and discounted hotel rooms. They just come.
Here in conservative Aceh, the tourism industry is still in its infancy, except for Pulau Weh. Although bikinis are not in line with Acehnese cultural values, the locals came up with their own solution: Secluded beaches away from the village, especially for foreign nationals where the women can swim in bikinis.
The respective beaches are guarded by the same villagers so that people who have no business there stay out. The locals still sell food and drinks to the tourists so they are able to earn a living. Also the islands outside Ulhee Lheu are mostly uninhabited and therefore perfect for people who enjoy privacy. Community-based tourists at its best. TEUKU AGAM
Banada Aceh
This development can seem negative at times, but in the long term, a fewer number of tourists will save our nature for later times, when Indonesia is ready for selective tourism.
At the moment Indonesia cannot compete successfully with other Asian countries, because dull ambiance in tourist resorts and week service level. SEPPA
Jakarta
I think it is the economic downturn that is the main culprit. People are being laid off or in fear of being laid off and so they will not spend money on big-ticket items like holidays to Thailand.
In Garut I have gone to the hot springs and I know what the cultural norms are. So I won't wear a bikini there, but I can still enjoy the hot springs just the same.
I doubt the Dutch are so narrow-minded that they cannot have a hot spring bath while wearing something other than a bikini. They are not that stupid. PATTY ALVAREZ
Garut, West Java
I have spoken to many people here in Indonesia and in Europe and many are afraid of going to Bali and Java because of the porn law. I expect that next year 25 percent fewer Europeans will come to Indonesia because of this crazy law.
What is wrong with this government? It really looks as if they are trying to stop tourism. Tourists are welcome all over the world, but not in Indonesia.
First there is an expensive visa and now for almost four months it is almost impossible to buy alcohol in Bali. Tourists come for holiday and to relax and don't want to be afraid of what to wear or going to jail. They want to have a drink on their holiday.
But let's be glad that there is a financial crisis, so we can always blame the drop in tourism on that. People of Indonesia open your eyes! FRED JANSSEN
Denpasar
I suspect that the worsening financial crisis in Europe is largely responsible in this case, but in difficult times for inbound tourism silly legislation like the so-called pornography law can be enough to force agents to switch to other Asian destinations. DEVID
Jakarta
Editorial: Airport links -- Dec. 20, p. 6
Is anyone concerned with the elevated road? Just wondering, cause watching the construction, I noticed that many of the pillars holding the road up do not look correct in many places.
I'm not an engineer, but I think the pieces should fit together better than what I am seeing -- many of them are off center, crooked, and not particularly even. Maybe it doesn't matter. JIM S.
Jakarta
The Indonesian government is not very keen to woo tourists as what can be seen from the current poor environment at Soekarno Hatta.
They should have realized long before that the airport has been left far behind other regional aviation hubs, e.g. Kuala Lumpur International Airport or Singapore's Changi Airport.
I have several ideas that might be essential to improve the situation in Soekarno Hatta:
First, furbish the terminal with more duty free shops and cafes, especially at the departure terminal. The department is not any better than my LRT interchange station in Kuala Lumpur. Basic facilities should be upgraded/replaced, including toilets and seats.
Second, VOA regulations should be made less inconvenient. Many European/U.S. tourists complain about the bad red tape encountered at our visa counter.
Third, remove/curb unsolicited taxi drivers hovering at the arrival foyer. It shows that Indonesia does not have strict regulations on ground transportation arrangement at its main international airport. Furthermore they are an eyesore to SHA and might decrease the tourists' first impression.
Fourth, Soekarno Hatta needs to have a better direct air connection with global cities to enjoy more arrivals. Most tourists have to fly via Singapore, Kuala Lumpur or Dubai before they can get to Indonesia,
Fifth, safer airlines! DEWI RANIA
Jakarta
The very first impression of the country is the deal with immigration at the airport.
For example, it took me one hour to get a visa on arrival, only one counter was open. And we were lucky, our plane was the only one in at that time.
I have been in almost all major airports in Asia, and sometimes we also have to wait. In Shanghai for example, you also have to spend time clearing your visa.
But this is mainly due to the huge amount of people landing at the same time. And you can feel that the service is well done when you look at the counter, maybe 20 posts, all open. BOURRIN
Jakarta
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