Environment Ministry Lends Hand to Develop Homestays at National Parks
Jakarta. The Ministry of Tourism has won support from other government institutions, including the Ministry of Environment and Forestry, to participate in its expanding homestay rejuvenation program.
Environment Minister Siti Nurbaya Bakar recently directed the construction of several new homestays in seven national parks across the archipelago to provide comfortable accommodation to tourists.
According to Siti, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has expressed its interest in supporting maritime conservation practices, including the building of sustainable homestays in Wakatobi National Park in Southeast Sulawesi.
"Homestays can and have been built in national parks. Local residents will manage the businesses to boost the economy [...] they will also help preserve the sanctity and sustainability of our parks," Siti said during a book launch in Jakarta on Friday (02/06).
According to the minister, Wakatobi has world-class attractions that are sure to attract even more tourists in the future. The planned homestays, Siti said, will help reduce waste pollution in the area.
"We support the development of homestays and tourists' conservation at sea. However, we should be conscious of how many tourists visit our parks, so we do not overload and disrupt ecosystems," Siti said.
Tourism Minister Arief Yahya has expressed support for government efforts to build homestays at national parks, especially at Wakatobi, which is expected to see as many as 500,000 foreign tourists by 2019.
"The ministry will help build the homestays, though they will be managed and owned by locals. We expect parks to bring economic welfare to local communities," Arief said.
Arief said the Environment Ministry has provided special loans to local residents to help build homestays in the community.
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