REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Transportation Minister Ignasius Jonan has suggested that the Indonesian National Ship Owners Association (INSA) should consider operating cruise ships to support Indonesia's marine tourism.

"So far, INSA has only operated cargo ships. I hope that INSA will consider operating cruise ships," the minister said during an address at an INSA public meeting on Thursday.

Jonan added that the government would seriously encourage ship owners to operate cruise ships because Indonesia had considerable marine potential that could be developed, particularly in the eastern part of the country.

"We leave it to INSA whether it is willing to do that or not. I can only make a suggestion because the eastern part of Indonesia has huge coastal tourism potential," he stated.

He said his ministry will provide permits for ship owners willing to operate cruise ships to develop marine tourism in the country.

"I will provide permits for those who are willing to operate cruise ships," he added.

He also expressed the hope that INSA would become the government's partner in transportation development, including those not operating as per cabotage principles.

"For example, because the number of Indonesian ships is limited, operators can use ships that do not fly Indonesian flags. Following the cabotage principles is not always a must, let alone if we do not have ships of that kind. What is important is that it should not harm the interests of Indonesia," the minister stressed.

In the meantime, INSA Chairman Carmelita Hartono said she would consider the government's suggestion, because the shipping business was still experiencing difficulty due to the unfavorable global economic gloom.

She added that the cruise ships business could be developed if it was supported with adequate infrastructure and other tourism facilities, such as hotels that could attract visitors.

"Hotel development should also be carried out there (in the eastern region). If the cruise ships are convenient they could serve as hotels, but if they are not, good hotels must be built at the destination points," she added.

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