VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOInews, Bandung: Malaysian Ambassador to ASEAN Dato' Nur Izzah Wong Me Coo said that every member country of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is making efforts to promote tourism as a supporting factor for their economy. According to her, this will provide benefits not only to each country but also to other countries in the region.

"Malaysia has always believed that if we are all prosperous then the entire region will be prosperous and each will benefit from it," she said at the Diplomatic Forum hosted by RRI Voice of Indonesia in Bandung, West Java, Thursday (2/11/2023).

He added that ASEAN as a unit in a region, is unique in terms of tourism compared to other regions. Moreover, ASEAN also has a lot to offer both as an individual country and as a unit.

"We certainly have challenges, but I believe that we can do more as a family," he said.

Meanwhile, the Director of ASEAN Socio-Cultural Cooperation at the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Yuliana Bahar, said that in efforts to promote ASEAN tourism, emphasizing the importance of cross-sectoral coordination and collaboration, including coordination and collaboration across ASEAN pillars. Apart from that, according to him, a common understanding of the challenges and differences each ASEAN country has is also needed.

“We must strengthen cooperation between ASEAN and potential and relevant partners. "Without that, it will be difficult to make ASEAN a single tourism destination," he said.

This is also Indonesia's spirit in chairing ASEAN this year. According to Yuliana, Indonesia as the chair of ASEAN in 2023 encourages the realization of broader cooperation between ASEAN and all partners, including countries in the Indo-Pacific region. (Andy Romdoni)