Jokowi Calls For Development Of Seribu Islands Tourism

Jakarta, June 5 (Antara) - Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has asked new District Head of Seribu Islands Asep Syarifudin to develop further the tourism industry on the islands. The economic and welfare of local people will be improved if the tourism industry on Seribu Islands is properly developed, the governor told the media after installing Asep Syarifudin as the new district head. "The new district head must focus on developing the tourism sector on Seribu Islands. The fishery field must also be improved. I am optimistic that the tourism sector could play a significant role in increasing the district`s economy," the governor said. He said the islands have already had the necessary infrastructure such as piers and resorts, but the district needs to improve the tourism packages and intensify the promotion. The Jakarta administration is ready to allocate fund in its regional budget for the development of the islands` tourism industry, he said, adding that he would also support if the Seribu Islands district administration could invite investors. The district of Seribu Islands (or One Thousand Islands) consists of a group of 105 islands off of Jakarta, and is home of coral reef ecosystems that lie close to the capital city.