REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The government can apply an investment deposit system in the tourism business like the one it did in the oil and gas sector, said a business executive.
"This system will enable the company concerned to use the deposit to improve the environment it damaged," Gunawan, the deputy director of PT Indoland Inti Perkasa, stated here on Thursday.
He noted that regional governments could improve damaged environments by using funds from the tourism deposits of the companies that caused the damage.
"Companies that have a strong commitment to making investments will abide by all rules related to preserving the environment," he added.
Gunawan remarked that the application of the deposit investment system could make companies feel pleasant and protected.
The regional governments could also monitor every investor who makes investments in the Seribu Islands.
"If companies destroy the environment and violate rules, then the money they have deposited in the system will be directly deducted for improving the damaged environment," he pointed out.
Therefore, he added, businesses will surely support it if the government introduces the deposit system in the tourism sector.
This is important for maintaining the environment and enhancing tourism that needs promotions.
Regarding tourism promotion, Minister of Tourism Arief Yahya stated that rebranding was essential to promote Indonesia's tourism.
The country's current tourism promotional slogan is "Wonderful Indonesia," which was launched in 2011 to replace the previous slogan "Visit Indonesia."
"We will think about it (the tourism brand). If we decide to retain the old brand, I will relaunch it. If we come up with a new one, then I will launch it. 'Wonderful Indonesia' or 'Remarkable Indonesia,' whichever slogan we choose, I will ensure it is simple," Arief stated early this month.
Arief emphasized that in order to maximize its functionality, the Indonesian tourism brand must be unified, which will require the involvement of all stakeholders.
"For instance, if we decide on 'Indonesia WOW (abbreviation for World of Wonderful),' we all must agree to use that slogan. We (the Tourism Ministry), the media, and everybody else must use one strong brand to promote Indonesia," he explained.
The use of a brand name to promote tourism was considered effective to push a country as a tourism destination. In the Southeast Asian region, Malaysia uses "Malaysia, Truly Asia", which has been recognized as the most successful tourism brand in Asia.
Not fewer than 28 million international tourists have visited Malaysia, and it received the "Best Long Term Marketing and Branding Campaign Gold Awards" in 2008.
Other ASEAN member countries also use unique brands to promote their tourism potential such as "Brunei, the Green Heart of Borneo"; "Cambodia, Kingdom of Wonder"; "Laos, Simply Beautiful"; "Mystical Myanmar"; "It's More Fun in the Philippines"; "Your Singapore"; "Amazing Thailand, Always Amazes You"; and "Vietnam, Timeless Charm."