REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DENPASAR - Minister of Agriculture, Suswono plans to combine agriculture and tourism in concept of agrotourism. Once the project done, this kind of tourism will be as attractive as other tourist destinations.
"Malaysia for example, it developes agrotourism area which attract a lot of foreign tourists in Langkawi," Suswono said on Friday.
Suswono said that with its natural beauty, Bali would attract more international tourists. Agrotourism is expected to reduce conversion of agriculture land into business area in Bali. Suswono also asks local government to create regulation on farmland protection and sustainable food as soon as possible to protect remaining agricultural land in Bali.
Among other reason, rapid conversion of agroculture land in Bali is the pricey property especially in area close to tourist destination. Tourism is also a major contributor of revenue in Bali. However, this kind of attraction is integrated with the exotic of Balinese culture which basically breathing agrarian culture. Without farming culture, Bali tourism will also lose its charm.