Indonesian President Joko Widodo has said that his government is exploring the possibility of giving discounts to tourists in order to revitalise the country's tourism sector that has been badly hit due to cancellations amid the coronavirus outbreak.
“I met with the finance minister this morning and we will weigh the possibility of providing a discount or incentive of up to 30 percent of actual prices to foreign tourists,” President Jokowi was quoted by The Jakarta Post.
In addition to the discounts for foreign tourists, the Indonesian government is also reportedly planning to give a 50 per cent discount for travel agencies.
"This includes discounts for domestic tourists that we could give and maybe it is possible for the travel agents to be given more discounts, like 50 per cent. So, it really excites the world of tourism," .
It is planned that the tourism discount will be given over the next three months, which is to be applied to airplane tickets, hotels and all aspects related to tourism, while the government is yet to decide which tourist destinations will be given incentives.
In a statement to SBS Indonesian, the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy acknowledged the adverse effect of the virus outbreak on tourism but expressed hope that the condition would soon improve.
"This outbreak would certainly have an impact on the global economy, including on the tourism sector, as China is one of the major sources for global tourism.
"Indonesia is also not exempted from the impact of the outbreak. As such, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy along with stakeholders from the tourism sector will develop several measures and strategy in order for the tourism and services industry to continue developing as a driving force for the economy and source of state income,” the statement reads.
But despite the plan that was delivered to the public by the Indonesian president himself, some potential visitors would rather wait for the Covid19 threat to subside.
Michelle, a Sydneysider who loves to travel, says she wouldn’t rush into it despite the ”mouthwatering” discounts being offered.
"Honestly, I am still wary about the situation," she says. "Safety may pose an issue."
She says she is trying to avoid densely populated areas.
"If we were to visit Indonesia, it will be when the virus situation has cleared up."
The Indonesian government decided to stop both direct and transit flights from China following the outbreak of Covid-19. Tourists from China are the second largest source of revenue for Indonesia’s tourism, after tourists from Malaysia.
