7th Edition

SANDIAGA UNO: NOW IT IS TIME FOR TOURISM SECTOR & CREATIVE ECONOMY TO RISE UP

ANDAZ BRANCH DEBUTS WITH THE OPENING OF THE FIRST RESORT IN ASIA, ANDAZ BALI

CHASING SUNRISE IN LOOKING FOR POSONG & OFFROAD IN BATURRADEN AMIDST BEAUTY & COMFORT THE PANDEMIC TRAVELLING IN

EDITORIAL:

Edhie Rianto TEAM Publisher/Group Editor-in-Chief Juandito B. Irianto Special Contributor

Tommy Hermanses CREDITS Special Contributor Rico Horoni Contributor & Photographer

MARKETING:

Elthon Lakonawa Business Development Manager

DESIGN:

Betha Almanfaluthi Creative Design

Ilham Special Webmaster

Edhie Rianto Director & Publisher

Sandra Berel Chief Executive Officer

BOARD OF ADVISORY: The Late Daisy Hadmoko Moetaryanto Poerwoaminoto Pieter Johannes Berel

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WE ARE DELIGHTED to reintroduce the sustainable edition FINALLY, (‘Reborn’) of the e-magazine for the tourism business lifestyle TRAVELTEXTMAGZ.COM which is aimed at and for well-known WE CAME entrepreneurs, the hospitality industry, tourism and creative economy players, etc., after experiencing a long delay due to with BACK! internal problems and the COVID-19 pandemic.

That is the expression of our joy in entering the seventh edition of 2021. We deliberately present this TRAVELTEXTMAGZ.COM e-magazine with a new magazine concept; positive, smart, alternatives & informative, starting in terms of content, lay-out and tagline, all of which aim to provide satisfaction to you, our loyal reader.

In this 7th premiere edition, we try to present some interesting articles, including articles about the statement of Minister Sandiaga Uno: Now It Is Time for Tourism Sector & Creative Economy to Rise Up, there is also our minister of tourism who talks about Jam Gadang in to Be Equipped with Advanced Technology’ when he visited those area.

Of course we also didn’t forget to present the hospitality article, this time we have chosen, Andaz Branch Debuts with the Opening of the First Resort in Asia, Andaz Bali. So, also for the features article, we present an interesting and spreading experience, Chasing Sunrise in Posong & Off- Road in Baturraden Amidst the Pandemic and many other interesting reviews.

As a warm-up for these ‘Reborn’ edition, we also present a column that provides information about the latest traveler activities, along with photos of events that are often needed by readers of our reading community. You can also read some interesting articles from several columns that we present about Business, Profile, MICE, TravelTalk, Updates, and other reviews that inspire reading for you.

In the end, please enjoy our presentation of the latest ‘Reborn’ e-magazine tourism business lifestyle concept from us, TRAVELTEXTMAGZ.COM, we hope that the articles presented in our ‘Reborn’ edition can inspire our readers. Enjoy your reading!

Edhie Rianto Publisher/Group Editor-in-Chief

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INSTYLE 6 SANDIAGA UNO: NOW IT IS TIME FOR TOURISM SECTOR & CREATIVE ECONOMY TO RISE UP 11 TOURISM MINISTRY HAS REVISED ITS TARGETS FOR FOREIGN & DOMESTIC TOURISTS DESTINATION HOSPITATLITY 12 LOOKING FOR BEAUTY & COMFORT TRAVELLING ANDAZ BALI 16 IN EAST NUSA TENGGARA

23 TRAVELTALK CHASING SUNRISE IN POSONG SANDIAGA: ‘JAM GADANG’ IN & OFFROAD IN BATURRADEN BUKITTINGGI TO BE EQUIPPED 20 AMIDST THE PANDEMIC WITH ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY REGIONAL NEWS

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SANDIAGA UNO: NOW IT IS TIME FOR TOURISM CREATIVE& ECONOMY TO RISE UP

NOW it’s time for the tourism industry and creative economy in the country to rise after being shaken by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak for more than a year. Edhie Rianto compiles Minister of Tourism & Creative Economy during his several ‘Press Weekly Briefing’ which was conducted in a hybrid manner from the Balirung Sapta Pesona Building, Jakarta.

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ndonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative health protocols. and discipline in creative economy Economy, Sandiaga Uno said it’s been more than destinations and centers. In the framework of Ia year that we are facing a pandemic, it’s time for Implementing the Limitation of Community Activities tourism and the creative economy to rise. The revival of on a micro scale, there are community activities that tourism and the creative economy can be started from are allowed. The decision is submitted to the local tourism and craft villages, therefore the Ministry will government according to the COVID-19 figures in Gercep or accelerate (move quickly), Geber or speed up their respective regions. And if tourist destinations are and Gaspol (work on all local potentials) so that they opened, we firmly say that it must be implemented. can immediately rise up and recover. Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) health protocol is strict and “So we will go directly to the tourist villages, because disciplined,” he pointed out. we are entrusted with 244 tourist villages, but it seems the demand is more than 244 villages, so we will take The Tourism and Creative Economy Ministry itself, strategic steps which will immediately coordinate with he continued has published a guidebook for the our activists,” he said. implementation of Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) in destinations Sandiaga explained that his ministry’s duties were until and various places as well as business fields in the 2024, that tourist villages in Indonesia would be the tourism sector and the creative economy. This guide driving force for the revival of Indonesia’s economic will continue to be disseminated to actors in tourism recovery through its creative and tourism economy. and the creative economy.

“So it is no longer from top to bottom, but now we are Based on Sandiaga’s experience seeing firsthand from the bottom up, we go straight down, because and absorbing local aspirations, the implementation here for example in the tourist village of Krebet, I see of CHSE-based health protocols has been going the economic potential of crafts, batik on a mask. And well. Although he did not deny that there were still now 14.9% of GDP (creative gross domestic product in destinations or locations where the implementation of crafts,” he pointed out. health protocols had to be improved.

He also emphasized labor and labor intensive activities, “This requires collaboration between the central because now many people have lost their livelihoods government, regional governments and the COVID-19 since the COVID-19 pandemic was difficult. So this Task Force as well as the community and the tourist village also has the ability to create jobs. And business world. In fact, we want to involve educational this year is the International Year of Creative Economy for Sustainable Development, so that later there will be activities such as workshops, incubations and hopefully we will continue to put it forward.

Tighten of Health Protocols Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy will involve many parties to tighten and supervise the implementation of health protocols in tourist destinations and creative economy centers, especially during the pandemic.

“One of the programs that will be focused on this year is encouraging the implementation of strict

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institutions, because monitoring in detail requires 360 Assistance also does not have priority destinations, it is degrees of capability. We must collaborate with such open to all of Indonesia (no quota, limits) because it is compliance,” he noted. in the form of selection, through evaluation by curators,” he admitted. Sandiaga ensured that in the future the Ministry of Tourism would not only encourage and encourage the Sandiaga emphasized, however, for businesses in implementation of health protocols, but also ensure Super Priority Destinations, or certain areas/having compliance. There will be a mechanism if they cannot certain elements (such as sociopreneurs, having social/ comply (implementation of health protocols) will be environmental impacts) could be an added value in the warned, followed by fines. Coordinating with the local assessment. Registration for the Government Incentive government, we also do not hesitate to recommend Assistance program (open submission) opened on closing sanctions. June 4, 2021 and close on July 4, 2021.

Tourism Grant Funds “But that the status is still in the process of being Regarding Tourism Grants and Government Incentive submitted to the 2021 National Economic Recovery Assistance this year, Sandiaga Uno also explained that (NER) program as part of the K/L sectoral NER he had proposed the 2021 FY2021 Economic Recovery program for tourism support. For this year, tourism Program Fund (ERP) for the Tourism Sector of IDR3.7 grants have been proposed to be increased in number trillion to the Chairperson of the Committee for and expanded in reach. From last year’s IDR3.7 trillion Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery to IDR3.7 trillion this year with coverage not only for with a wider range of grantees than the 2020 Tourism hotels and restaurants but also for travel agencies,” Grants Fund. he remarked.

“In 2020,Government Incentive Assistance Minister Sandiaga explained that the tourism grant disbursement is budgeted at IDR24 billion and this year fund for 2021 is proposed to use the 2019 hotel tax, it is IDR60 billion. In addition, Government Incentive restaurant tax and entertainment tax data and the 2019 income tax or value added tax for the travel agency business. But we get positive indications because some of the ministry/agency sectoral NER programs for tourism support will be prioritized.

“The distribution of grant funds is still proposed through the transfer mechanism to the regions. So that later the regions will determine business sectors such as registered travel agencies that will receive grant funds in accordance with the recorded income tax.

We must collaborate “with such compliance 8 | TRAVELTEXT ” INSTYLE

is expected to be able to move the tourism sector, but still be able to minimize the risk of being exposed to COVID-19.

According to Minister Sandiaga Uno, with this adaptation step, although in terms of quantity the number of tourists has decreased, in terms of quality, it is hoped that it can increase further, by providing a separate experience for tourists.

So the quantity is less, he continued but the quality is increasing. In an effort to improve the quality of the tourism sector, the Tourism and the Creative Economy Ministry will equip tourism players with various We encourage travel agents to prepare and coordinate trainings to improve their skills. with their respective associations,” he said. “We will increase public knowledge regarding the new In addition to providing tourism grant funds, he era of tourism. One of the programs initiated is the continued the government would also encourage labor- implementation of a health protocol based CHSE. Of intensive programs in the 2021 National Economic course we cannot stop all activities. However, carrying Recovery Program to open up opportunities for people out activities carelessly is also certainly not an option. to get a livelihood. The Ministry of Tourism also has a Therefore, implementing the CHSE protocol is one number of programs such as BISA (Clean, Beautiful, thing that must be done. Later, when tourism activities Healthy, Safe) in tourist destinations. are at risk for the spread of COVID-19, a temporary suspension can be carried out,” he concluded. “This is a toilet revitalization program, related to Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Work From Bali Policy sustainability (CHSE). In essence, we are all out to But when asked about WFB policy, Minister Sandiaga help the rise of the tourism sector and the creative Uno then answered that the Tourism Ministry wants economy,” Sandiaga Uno remarked. the policy to work from Bali or Work From Bali (WFB) for the state civil apparatus to be of right benefit to help Adapt To New Era and restore the economy of the tourism sector and the Sandiaga Uno asked all tourism and creative economy creative economy on the Island of the Gods which has players to be able to adapt to the new era due to the been slumped by the pandemic. impact of the COVID-19 virus pandemic. “We already implemented that some time ago “Indeed, currently the tourism sector was quite deeply the Ministry of Tourism was also present at the affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, memorandum of understanding between the business players are able to improve the quality of Coordinating Ministry for Maritime & Investment tourism, even though the quantity has decreased due and PT Indonesia Tourism Development Corporation to the COVID-19 virus pandemic. COVID-19 forces us to (ITDC), which manages the Nusa Dua area, and 16 adapt, new era tourism, that is personalize, customize, accommodation providers in Nusa Dua,” he affirmed. localize, and small ring size,”Sandiaga noted. So far, Sandiaga continued that Bali has become the He also explained, by making personalization efforts, primadonna of tourism in the country as one of the adjustments, carried out locally, and in a small scope it largest foreign exchange earners in the tourism sector.

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But this time, Bali needs our helping hand. The Tourism which grew minus 5.24% in the first quarter compared and Creative Economy Ministry has already conducted to the fourth quarter of 2020,” he stated. WFB in the first quarter of 2021, we hope that this policy can be of right benefit, right on target, and on As is known, last year, the economy in Bali fell 12% and time to maintain the economy of the tourism & creative in the first quarter of 2021 it was still minus 9%. Room economy sector in Bali. Occupancy Rate (ROR) in February 2021 for star hotels in Bali is 8.99% or minus 2.16 points (m-o-m) and non- He even added it that related to the Travel Corridor star hotels 7.70% or plus 1.00 points (m-o-m). Arrangement (TCA) for foreign tourists must be prepared carefully. Therefore, it is hoped that the WFB “The working scheme in Bali is still in the stage of for the scope of the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime being formulated. Not only ASN, the private sector is & Investment can be a preparation so that the TCA can also directed to be able to hold activities or meetings be implemented. in areas including Bali by implementing strict and disciplined health protocols. Tourism is a sector with a “There is no special budget allocation for WFB, it high level of multiplier effect. So that this policy is also still uses the old budget so that it can be managed expected to boost other sectors such as transportation efficiently. The realization of this government budget and others,” he concluded. [ER] is expected to boost Bali’s economic growth in stages,

10 | TRAVELTEXT INSTYLE TOURISM MINISTRY HAS REVISED ITS TARGETS FOR FOREIGN & DOMESTIC TOURISTS

THE Ministry of Tourism and impossible for us to adjust to the turned out that now they were Creative Economy of the MTDP target. This year’s MTDP not allowed to return to their Republic of Indonesia has for foreign tourists will be 4 million hometowns, right? Then school revised the target of foreign and movements from the initial 19 holidays and when there is a long domestic tourists as stipulated million movements. The foreign weekend or leave together. This is in the 2016-2021 Medium Term exchange value is US$4.8 billion also the same, this is the challenge Development Plan (MTDP). and for the export of the creative we face for the target of domestic economy it is US$17.45 billion,” tourists even though it is still inister of Tourism and Creative he said, adjusting. MEconomy, Sandiaga Uno said that the MTDP prepared every five He explained that for domestic To restore the tourism industry and years underwent a revision during tourists, the 320 million movements creative economy, the Ministry of the COVID-19 pandemic, because are adjusted to 180 as well. Tourism & Creative Economy has things that had been planned Because it is not only foreign implemented several strategies, one before were deemed unable to tourists who face challenges with of which is to campaign for health meet the target. the closing of borders, domestic protocols in tourist destinations tourists also experience challenges. with Cleanliness, Health, Safety, and “We have also made target Based on statistics, he continued Environment Sustainability (CHSE) adjustments, especially foreign during the harvest period of standards. tourists, because foreign tourists domestic tourists when they have closed borders, so it is returned to their hometowns, it “Our reborn are domestic tourists, so a strategy for achieving targets, the strategy is to campaign for health protocols or destinations that have implemented the protocol properly and received certification,” he noted.

Then also, Sandiaga added with the movement of the hashtag #DiIndonesiaAja. So because this is a business of perception where we have to get confidence and trust, how do you do it? Namely by campaigning for Indonesia Care. [ER]

TRAVELTEXT | 11 DESTINATION LOOKING FOR BEAUTY & COMFORT TRAVELLING IN EAST NUSA TENGGARA

EAST NUSA TENGGARA is quite famous for its tourist charm, be it natural scenery, culture and the scarcity of tourism objects such as the giant ancient Komodo dragon (varanus komodoensis) in and the three-colored lake at the top of Mount Kelimutu on Island. Edhie Rianto’s describes interesting destinations in East Nusa Tenggara for those of you who want to explore there.

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s a result of the greatness of culture and natural beauty, it seems that tourists are competing to Avisit East Nusa Tenggara to see closely what is the pride of the people in this island-based province.

The success of the tourism sector is inseparable from several supporting elements so that tourists feel at home, satisfied and give their own memories so that they will visit again. Indonesia, which is a country with many and varied tourist destinations in creating better conditions and quality of tourism.

Maybe when we hear the name of East Flores, we immediately think of the Semana Santa celebration in . However, East Flores has a destination that is no less beautiful, starting from the sunset view, until a stretch of sand appears in the middle of the sea near Meko Hamlet, Witihama District, Island, East Flores .

The local people named it, Pasir Timbul Meko. It is named emergent sand, because there is a sand dune in the middle of the sea like a small, uninhabited island. The area is less than 1 square kilometer. This slightly pink white sand contrasts with the turquoise sea color.

The pink sand came from crushed coral. This beauty looks perfect with the combination of lush green islands. There are no waves on the sand beach, only small ripples that sweep the soft white sand. If the tide is high, the island will sink.

However, the beauty of the Pasir Timbul Meko must be paid for by a fairly long journey. From Pelni Larantuka Port in Larantuka City, we cross to Tubilota Port in Adonara Island. We can take a motorboat around Rp20,000, with a travel time of only 10 minutes. Then, crossing Adonara Island.

Car rental is the right way to get to Meko. Because the lack of public transportation and long trips are the reasons. It took about 2 hours to arrive at Meko hamlet. In the Meko hamlet, the Bajo tribe is inhabited by the fishermen. They live daily from the catch of fish. Using small boats, they spread nets to catch fish. The villagers there can take us to Pasir Timbul Meko.

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has more to offer than

We can rent a local fishing boat for around IDR400,000 magnificent round trip. On the way to the island, we will be treated “ to a view that is no less beautiful. landscapes

We will cross the Meko Sea where the water is very clear. Along the way we will see colorful coral reefs. woven textiles known as tenun ikat (weaving) are one While during the trip we will be treated to a beautiful of the island’s treasures, crafted with heart and soul in panorama. If we look back we will see the Boleng Ile a traditional way’ and often with all natural ingredients. Mountain. On the left and right there are Bukit Sandosi Each region on the island, such as Lembata, Sikka, and Lembata. While in front, there is a volcano. Maumere, Ende, Manggarai, Ngada and Lio,” produces ikat with a distinctive pattern and color. In terms of accessibility, to Pasir Timbul Meko you can go through Larantuka City which can be reached bytwo During a recent visit to the village of Jopu in Ende flights from , in the morning using Trans Nusa Regency, and met with local residents whose families and in the afternoon using Wings Air. Via Maumere by have been making weaving for generations. Jopu, taking a 4 hour road trip can be an alternative trip to located in the West of Ende, is a town travelers typically Larantuka. Regarding amenities or tourism support encounter on the way to Mount Kelimutu. facilities such as hotels and restaurants that provide security and comfort for tourists, they have also In the village, there is one traditional house, the Sao Ata grown. In Larantuka City, hotels and even homestays Mosa Lakitana, that stands tall as it is surrounded by have grown. more modern yet modest establishments. The roof is so high that it can be seen from a surprising distance. It Ende’s Traditional Weaving is a sacred place where traditional ceremonies are held The island of Flores in East Nusa Tenggara has more to in April and October. A woman in her forties named offer than magnificent landscapes. Locally made hand- welcomed us.

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Crafting textiles (ikat) was a common job for women, sustainability. To realize the development of tourist who traditionally weave and dye at home as men destinations in a better direction in Flores, there needed worked in the field. At the local market near the port to be intensive collaboration and communication of Ende, one small weaving shawl can be found for between various parties. Thus, the tourism sector around IDR100,000-IDR200,000, while a bright colored can be a driving force for the economy to improve the sarong-size for low costs around IDR800,000. At Ende welfare of the people of East Nusa Tenggara. market, vendors sell weaving from various regions of Flores in a variety of colors, sizes and pattern. Whether Through intensive collaboration and communication, using natural or chemical dyes, either one can make I believe we can manage East Nusa Tenggara tourism beautiful souvenirs for our loved ones more seriously and raise the confidence of tourists to visit East Nusa Tenggara, especially to the island of Labuan Bajo Flores. Even more the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy encourages the Labuan Bajo destination From Labuan Bajo, tourists then visit the Komodo to become the gateway for tourism in East Nusa National Park, which is known as a UNESCO world Tenggara. Flores has various potential tourist heritage site. Komodo National Park in 2019 destinations that are potential to be used to advance contributed around IDR50 billion to West Manggarai the economy and improve community welfare. This Regency’s local revenue and created new jobs in the potential was proven by the selection of Labuan Bajo as tourism sector and creative economy. one of the five Super Priority Destinations. Entering from Labuan Bajo, tourists can enjoy various East Nusa Tenggara has tremendous appeal in terms interesting natural and cultural tourism attractions in of tourism. Our challenge now is how to transform various areas on the island of Flores. One of them is the these potentials into superior quality products so traditional boxing tradition or Etu which is held every that we really have to pay attention to the principle of year in 31 traditional villages in Nagekeo.

For this reason, that are trying to fix the tourism potential in Nagekeo, including in the infrastructure and human resources sectors. The Government, especially the Tourism Office, assisted by other agencies, organize traditional villages that have boxing attractions and all their supporters. [ER]

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ANDAZ BRANCH DEBUTS WITH THE OPENING OF THE FIRST RESORT IN ASIA, ANDAZ BALI

AS the first Andaz resort in Asia, Andaz Bali offers a modern and immersive interpretation of the traditional Balinese village and its way of life, Andaz Bali is located in the heart of Sanur, a quaint seaside village known for its old-world charm, picturesque beaches and spectacular sunrises.

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he resort was launched with special presence of the Tourism Ministry in presenting higher quality of Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, sustainable tourism so that it has a big impacton TSandiaga Uno, Jefri Darmadi, CEO PT Jakarta society. Setiabudi Internasional Tbk, Governor of Bali, I Wayan Koster, Marco Groten, Area Vice President Indonesia- COVID-19 pandemic had a major impact on the Hyatt Hotels, Head of the Bali Tourism Office Putu tourism and the creative economy sector. This includes Astawa and Rina Mariani, GM of Andaz Bali. presenting new travel trends, from massive tourism to more sustainable tourism. For example the role of the According to David Udell, Hyatt Group President, Asia- millennial generation now is enormous, they can help Pacific at the opening virtual speech of the launching socialize government programs where in the future we of Andaz Bali, Friday (9/4) late evening, said as we are targeting higher quality sustainable tourism,” he continue to offer our guests new and immersive ways explained. to rediscover Bali, we are honored to introduce the Andaz brand to Sanur, where Indonesia’s first Hyatt- He added today Indonesia is no longer chasing tourist branded hotel opened more than 40 years ago. arrivals, but focuses on encouraging sustainable tourism. The concept of sustainable tourism was “Andaz Bali is our first Andaz resort in Asia, adding to carried out as a medium and long term tourism the brand’s growing urban portfolio in the region which management step. includes Seoul, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Singapore, Tokyo and Xiamen,” he said. “In the medium and long term, we are the preferred destination in Southeast Asia for foreign tourists with Furthermore Minister of Tourism and Creative the concept of quality and sustainable tourism. We will Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said in enhancing and no longer be chasing numbers. Wow, yesterday was developing the tourism and the creative economy wrong after chasing numbers. We are only after quality,” sector. One of those sector is helping the main program Sandiaga Uno stated.

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We are only after “quality ”

Sandiaga Uno admitted that changing the concept of quality and sustainable tourism will also change the concept of tourism that is busy or on a large scale. We want to shift from mass tourism to sustainable tourism and ecotourism. From sea, sun, sand (beach, sun, sand) to sustainability, serenity and spirituality (sustainability, tranquility and spirituality).

Meanwhile Marco Groten, Area Vice President Indonesia-Hyatt Hotels, said we are delighted to add Andaz Bali to our portfolio of luxury and premium resorts which includes Grand Hyatt Bali and Hyatt Regency Bali, and to provide local guests and

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travelers with vibrant experiences and fresh ways to heritage and the contemporary influence from artists discover the island. who have been visiting Sanur over the decades,” he concluded. “The resort’s overall concept reflects the locale and is inspired by the surrounding villages, from its However, our colleagues absolutely adore this village, intimate scale with buildings nestled amid the lush and enjoy sharing their favorite beach hangouts, greenery to the use of distinctive red brick, a traditional restaurants and activities so our guests can experience construction material in Sanur,” Marco noted Sanur the way a local would. From the resort’s residentially inspired architecture and interior design Likewise Jefri Darmadi, CEO of PT Jakarta Setiabudi to the food and music, Andaz Bali juxtaposes the International Tbk said the opening of Andaz Bali, calm and timeless spirit of Sanur with an energizing marking the debut of the vibrant Andaz brand in approach that inspires guests,” Rina Mariani, GM Andaz Indonesia and as the first Andaz resort in Asia. Offering Bali added. a contemporary take on the traditional Balinese village and its way of life, Andaz Bali is located in the heart of Andaz Bali features 149 guestrooms, she continued Sanur, a quaint seaside village known for its old-world including 18 Garden Villas and four Beach Villas charm, picturesque beaches and spectacular sunrises. arranged in a series of courtyards, which create a sense of discovery as guests move through the resort. Each “Andaz Bali pays homage to Balinese art and room boasts a private balcony overlooking the garden, craftsmanship, weaving together the island’s rich ocean or lagoon. [ER]

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CHASING SUNRISE IN OBSERVING, following and ensuring the readiness of the regional hospitality and tourism industry in Wonosobo and Banyumas Regencies, Edhie POSONG Rianto’s recently exploring with Jakarta’s Media Community Association (HAM) has its own way for safe and comfortable holidays in several & tourist destinations in the two districts. ogether with HAM Overland de Java touring OFFROAD IN experience became a special theme for media Tcrews to enjoy holidays during the pandemic. I have the opportunity to visit and feel the excitement BATURRADEN of traveling in the wild by complying with health protocol rules such as implementing 3M (Wearing Masks, Washing Hands and Maintaining Distance) AMIDST THE and Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environmental Sustainability (CHSE) government program. PANDEMIC According to Arief Suharto, Head of the HAM Jakarta at the Dafam Wonosobo Hotel said that HAM Overland de Java is a big theme welcoming the 13th HAM Anniversary celebration which is centered at Meotel Purwokerto by Dafam.

“This year’s 13th HAM Anniversary takes the sub-theme media constructs the hospitality & tourism industry post-COVID-19 pandemic and wants to ascertain whether the hotel and tourism industry players in

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Wonosobo and Banyumas Regencies have adopted here tourists can see Mount Sindoro, Sumbing, Merapi, new habit adaptations,” Arief noted. Merbabu, Telomoyo, Andong, Ungaran, and Muria, so they can see 8 mountains at once. The best month to He also explained that by seeing conditions in the witness the natural beauty of Posong is July to August. field some of the media crews who were participants And you can imagine we were all cold because we were wanted to reconstruct the hospitality and tourism really high up on the mountain. industry in their readiness to welcome guests and tourists visiting the two districts. Posong also has the best spot for photographing the milky way. It is special because the background is Posong with a view of 8 mountains Mount Sindoro, then the foreground is tobacco flowers After carrying out the ‘little ritual’ of celebrating HAM’s and the best time is only two days, which is every July Jakarta at the Dafam Wonosobo Hotel, precisely at 27-29. 03:15 WIB early morning, the media crew continued their journey to Posong tourism destination, Tlahab Unfortunately during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Village, Temanggung Regency, Central Java. number of tourist visits had decreased by 50%. Before COVID-19, the number of visitors a year Posong is a place to watch a more specific and special reached 135 thousand visitors. The tourist profiles are sunrise with a background of 8 mountain peaks in Dutch, Germany, Malaysian, and domestic tourists in Central Java. Enjoying the beauty of the outdoors in collaboration with travel agents from Yogyakarta Posong, which was built in 2019, every hour, tourists and . will find a different experience. In the masterplan of the Posong tourism area in the future, tourists not Off-Road Penetrating Fog at Mount Slamet only enjoy the view of the sunrise at the foot of Mount Exciting and tense are the words that came out after Sindoro but also the sunset from behind Mount trying out these off-road experience. Taming the steep Sumbing. muddy terrain and the ‘entanglement’ of wild pine forest roots at the foot of Mount Slamet, Baturraden, As you know, named Posong, it means was the Empty Purwokerto became the closing menu for a tour in the Post. Because according to the story of the past time wild that was the most thrilling for the guests. it became the war strategy of Prince Diponegoro and his troops to expel the Dutch colonialists. Posong is Using 10 4X4 off-road custom vehicles in collaboration at an altitude of 1500 meters above sea level, from with Palawi Risorsis, that afternoon the media crew

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was taken through the pine forest. The thin fog on a family, it is recommended to take the fun package with third of the route that must be completed becomes a a moderate level of difficulty. With this package, tourists stunning panorama. can enjoy the view of Mount Slamet and the City of Purwokerto as it is above the sky. According to Sista from Palawi Risorsis said, Safari Adventure offers off-road tours offering 3 packages Previously, we were offered by the Regent of namely fun, middle and extreme. The fun and middle Purwokerto to have an exciting experience with off- route starts from the Wanawisata gate of Palawi to the roading at the foot of Mount Slamet. To have an safari see to sky. exciting experience in Purwokerto, off-road at Palawi Risorsis by taking the extreme route and provided with This off-road package is made based on the level of 10 special off-road Jeep cars for member of medias to difficulty and distance traveled. If you come with your offered the excitement of traveling in the wild.

With great enthusiasm, all member of medias also received an offer from the Regent to go off-road with an extreme route that has a distance of 12 kilometers with a travel time of 3 hours. In fact, the excitement of off- roading in the wild takes more than 4 hours. Many of the obstacles are found by off- roaders. Starting from the car that broke down, so that it was unable to conquer the terrain, which eventually had to be towed with the other participant’s car.

This is the most exciting off-road experience I’ve ever This is the most been on. Apart from the long route and long travel time, the terrain is even more challenging than I have ever exciting off-road experienced. Well, I just want to say that enjoying this experience I’ve extreme experience but don’t try it if you don’t have the “ guts! ever been on Anyway, don’t worry those local governments and ensure that at the same time monitoring all tourist destinations applying strict and disciplined health protocols during the your holidays in there. [ER]

22 | TRAVELTEXT ” TRAVELTALK SANDIAGA: ‘JAM GADANG’ IN the Clock Tower earlier,” Sandiaga pointed out. BUKITTINGGI TO BE Furthermore, he said, one of the flagship programs to be developed in is a geopark. Geopark EQUIPPED WITH itself is a panoramic landscape area that has elements ADVANCED TECHNOLOGY of special terrestrial characteristics, including the archaeological, ecological, and cultural values in it. THE Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, said that the Jam Gadang (clock “And Bukittinggi as a leading destination and also one tower), one of the tourist icons in the city of of the backbones for the tourism sector and creative Bukittinggi, is about time to be equipped with economy in West Sumatra, we will continue to build virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) tourism in accordance with the latest trends in quality technology to attract more tourists and along with and sustainable tourism. the increasingly modern times. How can tourism open business opportunities to inister Sandiaga Uno in a series of working revive our economy within visits in West Sumatra to the city of Bukittinggi the framework of strict and Mrecently started his activity by visiting one of disciplined health protocols,” the tourism icons in the city of Bukittinggi, the Jam he said. Gadang. Likewise, the Deputy Accompanied by the Deputy Governor of West Sumatra Governor of West Sumatra, Audy Joinaldy and the Mayor of Bukittinggi Erman Audy Joinaldy, revealed that Safar, Minister Sandiaga saw the splendor of the Jam Bukittinggi’s highest GDP Gadang (clock tower) that was built during the reign of (Gross Regional Domestic the . He also had the opportunity to Product) is from the tourism enter and climb the stairs to the top of the tower. sector which has been hit in the past year. We hope “The view is extraordinary, the Jam Gadang is very that with the enthusiasm iconic. There is a special splendor of being able to see of Minister Sandiaga, Mount Merapi and Mount Singgalang from the height he can revive tourism of the tower,” Sandiaga Uno said. in Bukittinggi and West Sumatra in general,” Audy On that occasion he also met directly with Fauzi Azmi, Joinaldyadded. a man who has been trusted for 20 years to care for the Clock Tower. He also hopes that the community and Meanwhile, the Mayor of tourists who visit Bukittinggi can experience the same Bukittinggi, Erman Safar, said experience. However, due to the condition of the tower that our party is trying to that does not allow it to accommodate many people, a develop MICE tourism (Meeting, Incentive, Conference, technological approach can be a solution. Exhibition) as one of the strengths to attract tourists.

“It is time for the Clock Tower to be equipped with VR “The arrival of Sandiaga Uno can be a spirit or a symbol (virtual reality) and Augmented Reality (AR) so that that Bukittinggi will become a serious concern of the people can still feel the sensation without having to go government to be developed as a tourist object or upstairs. All related parties can coordinate to make this creative economy, then optimized with touch programs happen and make it possible for tourists to feel the of the central government,” Erman Safar concluded. sensation of going up to the top. over [ER] TRAVELTEXT | 23