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Indonesian destinations 'Beyond Bali' promoted in India
Indonesian Ambassador to India Sidharto R Suryodipuro seeks to attract more Indian tourists to Indonesian destinations beyond Bali.
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The picturesque Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java (Shutterstock/File)
A
s reported by Kompas.com, Indonesian Ambassador to India Sidharto R Suryodipuro said on Tuesday that the resort island already attracted many Indian tourists, welcoming around 485,000 in 2017, around 28 percent more than in the preceding year.
"But many Indians still do not know there are places like Borobudur and Prambanan," Sidharto said, referring to the Buddhist and Hindu temples, respectively, both on the island of Java.
The ambassador specifically invited Indians, most of whom are Hindu, to visit religious sites in Indonesia. Sidharto also promoted destinations across Sumatra island, which is the archipelago's region closest to India.
Read also: Indonesia eyes Indian tourists visiting Malaysia, Singapore
Transportation remains a challenge for travelers between the two countries. Currently, there are 28 direct flights a week that connect several cities from India and Indonesia.
However, many Indian travelers still need to transit in neighboring countries, such as Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, before reaching Indonesia.
"The challenge is how [to ensure] they can come directly to Indonesia with better connectivity. Increasing connectivity is currently being discussed by the two countries," Sidharto said.
Previously, Coordinating Maritime Affairs Minister Luhut Pandjaitan had invited Indian airlines to serve direct flights to and from Indonesia. Several destinations offered include Silangit in North Sumatra, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, Batam in Riau Islands and Yogyakarta. (liz/kes)
