Indonesia, Malaysia Strengthen Tourism Links with Jakarta-Melaka Sales Mission

MELAKA (Malaysia), Aug 22 (Bernama) -- Indonesia and Malaysia strengthened tourism ties through the recent Sales Mission event for the Special Capital Region of Jakarta (DKI Jakarta), with a focus on the Melaka state’s market.

In a statement, the Johor Bahru Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia said the three-day programme, which ended Thursday, was organised by the DKI Jakarta government in collaboration with the consulate general. 

It brought together 33 Melaka tourism industry players and 25 operators from DKI Jakarta, with participation from the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, Indonesia Inbound Tour Operator Association, Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association Jakarta, and the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents.

The Johor Bahru Consul General Sigit S. Widiyanto, in his opening remarks, emphasised that ties between Jakarta and Melaka extend beyond economic collaboration to shared history and culture.

“The two cities are like twin siblings born of the same maritime spice route. Tourism cooperation is not just about visitor numbers but also about strengthening cultural bonds and understanding,” he said. 

The programme aims to spur the development of new tourism packages built around historical and cultural narratives, particularly the maritime trade links that once connected Jakarta and Melaka.

He said with this spirit of collaboration, the initiative is expected to create a sustainable, mutually beneficial tourism ecosystem while strengthening regional solidarity in Southeast Asia.

The event was further enhanced by cultural performances from Sanggar Nusa Budaya, featuring the Tari Bintang Jakarta, a dance combining Betawi movements and silat, as well as a special appearance by Abang and None Jakarta 2024.

-- BERNAMA