During a recent visit to Batam, Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Parliamentary Cooperation Agency (BKAP), Putu Supadma Rudana, emphasized the importance of cross-border tourism between Indonesia and its neighboring countries. He highlighted Batam’s potential as a leading tourist destination during the BKAP Day activities.
Putu Rudana’s visit to Batam aimed to promote sustainable tourism and reinforce Batam’s role as a major gateway for international visitors to Indonesia, given its proximity and strong connectivity with Singapore and Malaysia.
Recognized for its established free trade zone and port, Batam stands as a strategic gateway for tourism, competing with major Indonesian destinations like Bali and Jakarta in attracting international tourists.
With its geographical advantage, Batam is poised to become a premier tourism hub, complementing Bali and Jakarta. Post-pandemic, Batam has been actively competing to reclaim its position as one of the top three entry points for international visitors to Indonesia.
The visit included stops at the Batam Tourism Polytechnic and the Batam Institute of Technology (ITEBA), where discussions focused on boosting cross-border tourism and utilizing Batam’s geographical proximity to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
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Asman Abnur, a member of BKAP, highlighted the role of local educational institutions in developing high-quality international human resources, with many graduates now employed abroad, demonstrating the potential for international collaboration in education and training.
Putu Rudana proposed expanding cross-border tourism to other regions such as North Sulawesi with the Philippines, and Papua with Papua New Guinea, emphasizing the sustainability of tourism when closely linked with large and nearby markets.
The development of cross-border tourism in Batam and other Indonesian regions offers new opportunities for Singaporeans and international tourists to explore unique destinations conveniently located near their home countries. This initiative not only promotes regional tourism but also encourages economic growth and cultural exchange between neighboring nations.
Putu Rudana, Deputy Chairman of BKAP, during his visit to Batam, promoted the expansion of cross-border tourism to leverage Batam’s strategic location near Singapore and Malaysia. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable tourism and regional development, strengthening Batam’s position as a key gateway for international visitors to Indonesia.
Source: JPNN (2024)
