he government plans to spend Rp 4.01 trillion (US$275.15 million) this year on 108 basic infrastructure projects in five prioritized tourist destinations to spur visits.
The Public Works and Housing (PUPR) Ministry reported Wednesday the projects were related to roads, raw and clean water supply, waste management, sanitation, residential improvements and more.
The destinations, referred to as the “five new Balis”, are Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur in Central Java, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara and Likupang in North Sulawesi.
Read also: Locals seek inclusion in Likupang development
“For tourism, we first need to improve the infrastructure, then the amenities and events as well as [promotion],” PUPR Minister Basuki Hadimuljono was quoted in a news release as saying on Wednesday.
“If those are not ready, tourists will come once and will not return. We really need to keep this in mind. The essence is changing the face of the region in a fast and integrated manner [that] impacts the local and national economy.”
The funds were divided into Rp 1.07 trillion for 21 infrastructure projects in Lake Toba, around Rp 900 billion for 19 projects in Borobudur, Rp 950 billion for 17 projects in Mandalika, Rp 630 billion for 26 projects in Labuan Bajo and Rp 480 billion for 25 projects in Likupang.
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