INDONESIA and Singapore will intensify efforts to increase the influx of travellers at both ends, in a bid to recover from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Tourism and Creative Economy minister, Sandiaga Uno, said this after a meeting with Singapore's Foreign Affairs minister, Vivian Balakrishnan, on the island republic recently, according to the Antara news agency.
In a statement here on Monday, Sandiaga said he met Balakrishnan to discuss cooperation in the tourism sector to create job opportunities.
"He is a good friend. We believe in post-pandemic recovery efforts."
Sandiaga stressed Indonesia and Singapore shared sound relations in the tourism sector, as was apparent from the fact that the cities of Batam and Bintan, located in the Riau Islands, had received a fairly high number of visits by Singaporeans.
Because of this, it can help increase the number of jobs, both in Batam and Bintan as well as the surrounding areas, he said.
"I am very grateful for the support assistance related to ferry and flight capacity from Singapore to several destinations in Indonesia," he added.
Balakrishnan too said he believes that the opportunity was wide open for Indonesia and Singapore to open their borders to one another after the pandemic.
He said the relations between both nations, especially in the tourism sector, could be improved notably and be beneficial for both countries.
"In future, we will see more flight trips, ferries, and others. In addition, we will see simplification of the process for tourism. This will be a great opportunity for Indonesia and Singapore," he said.
Meanwhile, Riau Islands Governor Ansar Ahmad has expressed optimism that the number of Singaporean foreign tourists visiting Riau Islands would increase to support revival of the tourism industry.
Ahmad also urged Singapore to increase the quota of foreign tourists visiting the Riau Islands, from 300 people per week to three thousand people per week.