NTT – East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) is ready to welcome the implementation of the 2023 ASEAN Summit on 9-11 May 2023.
One of the main objectives of the Summit is to increase regional peace and stability. In addition, the implementation of the ASEAN Summit will also have a positive impact on Indonesian tourism.
One of the famous tourist objects in NTT is Labuan Bajo. West Manggarai Regency, which is hosting the tourist attraction, stated that during the implementation of the ASEAN Summit, Labuan Bajo will remain open for tourists.
Head of the NTT Province Tourism and Creative Economy Office Zeth Sony Libing, said the momentum was not only to introduce Labuan Bajo, but also other destinations on Flores Island.
“Labuan Bajo is well known for being a super priority destination,” he said.
According to Zeth, on this occasion, the Provincial Government of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) will promote tourist destinations in nine other districts on Flores Island more aggressively.
Labuan Bajo is considered as a tourist gateway on the west side of Flores Island which allows tourists to explore all the tourist attractions there.
Some examples of tourist attractions that will be promoted include the Wae Rebo traditional village and the ancient human fossil site Homo Florensiensis in Manggarai Regency, coffee plantations in East Manggarai Regency, Bena Traditional Village and a bamboo handicraft center in Ngada Regency, as well as Pajoreja Tourism Village and Mount Ebulobo in Nagekeo District.
Apart from that, there are also other interesting tourist attractions such as the exile house of the first Indonesian President Soekarno and the three-colored lakes of Kelimutu in Ende Regency, an Ikat village in Sikka Regency, a city of thousands of chapels in East Flores Regency, a row of active volcanoes and a market bartering in Lembata Regency, as well as an underwater paradise in Alor.
“All of these tourist attractions will become an attraction for tourists who want to explore the beauty of Flores Island and its surroundings,” he explained.
Meanwhile, NTT MSME actors and owner Putri Pak Tani, Fitriah Dahlan fully support the activities of the ASEAN Summit in Labuan Bajo and hope to have a positive impact on the economy of the surrounding community.
“I really support the activities of the ASEAN Summit Summit, because this is the first time this activity has been carried out in the province of NTT,” he said.
“Hopefully, this activity will run smoothly, be successful, and have an economic impact on the residents of Labuan Bajo and the province of NTT,” he continued.
In the event, Indonesia will host and lead ASEAN as chairman. Various important matters will be discussed at the Summit, including economic, political and security issues in the ASEAN region. With careful preparation and support from various parties, it is hoped that the 2023 ASEAN Summit will become an event to strengthen solidarity and cooperation among ASEAN member countries.
