Drop a Pin for World Leaders' Upcoming Summit Venue - Indonesia's Labuan Bajo

“This is an important and strategic step for our country as we will be chairing the G20 and Asean Summits,” Suharso said in a statement sent to Kompas.com.

Besides Tanah Naga Mori, Suharso also visited Wae Cicu beach resort to see its readiness for the events.

He said his office is preparing an integrated plan for the development on Flores Island. “So when it is done, we can see where the tourist spots are and how is it going to be developed in the future. This one island will become an integrated tourist destination,” he said.

Preparations for the G20 Summit and the 2023 Asean Summits were also held on Kelor Island, which is part of the Komodo National Park, he said.

Also read: President Jokowi Forms New Committee to Curb Covid-19, Revive Economy

Supporting facilities being developed on Kelor Island include roads, security guard posts, toilets, and other public facilities which are funded by the 2020 special allocation funds under the tourism development program, said Suharso. The projects are meant to improve services for tourists.

He also mentioned that the special allocation for West Manggarai regency was also cut about 30 percent from 6.78 billion rupiahs ($466,000) to 4.66 billion rupiahs ($320,000) to free up funds for the government's response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Indonesia is highly experienced in hosting international events and meetings of world leaders, but most were held at venues that have met international standards for facilities.

This is going to be the first time for East Nusa Tenggara province to host international events with leaders from big economies in attendance. And as expected, gatherings of world leaders are accompanied by large numbers of delegates — officials, members of media from various countries, not to mention the international and local tourists.

Preparations now should not only be focused on infrastructure and accommodation but also other equally important aspects such as transportation, airport, communications networks, security personnel to ensure the well-being of the people in all areas, hospitals or health centers, health workers, and professionals in the hospitality industry.

(Writer: Sigiranus Marutho Bere | Editor: David Oliver Purba)

Source: Kompas.com