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Four reasons why Indonesia should be major destination for foreign yachters
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A sunset at Boom Beach in Banyuwangi, East Java. An integrated yacht marina is set to be developed in the region to take advantage of a hoped-for increase in the number of foreign yachts visiting the country. (Banyuwangi Beach Jazz Festival/-)
T
here are at least four reasons that should make Indonesia a major destination for the world’s yachters: its rich natural resources, pleasant climate, safety from pirate attacks and freedom from typhoons -- according to an official with the Office of the Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister.
The office's maritime services deputy assistant II, Okto Irianto, told Antara news agency on Sunday that yachters were particularly fond of the archipelago's beauty and richness on land and underwater. "While the pleasant climate allows yachters to visit Indonesia any time of the year."
(Read also: Jokowi opens Sail Karimata Strait 2016 in West Kalimantan)
The Philippines, which has 9,000 islands, is said to be Indonesia’s biggest competitor in terms of attracting yachters. However, the neighboring country’s seas are known for being home to pirates, said Okto.
Meanwhile, compared with Thailand, the Caribbean and Taiwan, Indonesia is free from typhoon. “Based on these four reasons, Indonesia is the most attractive place to visit for yachters. Plus it has an attractive culture," said Okto.
Despite this huge potential, Okto said, the government is still facing challenges attracting yachters to the country.
(Read also: Govt to allow yacht, private jet visits to boost tourism)
Since 2015, the government has tried to support marine tourism development by changing the procedures for entering Indonesian territory, the Clearance Approval for Indonesian Territory (CAIT). The new regulation would no longer force yachters to wait for three to six months to get a permit to enter the country. “The new registration system shortens the process to only one hour. Hopefully we can attract up to 6,000 yachters by 2019 with this new system,” he explained.
Yacht visits are said to be able to contribute to the country’s foreign exchange, since each yacht that carries an average of five passengers could spend about US$750 during a three-month visit. (jes/kes)
