REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA --  Legislator has expressed full support for the Indonesian government's target of attracting 20 million tourists by 2019.

"In my view, the target of 20 million tourist arrivals for 2019 is rational. Malaysia is currently able to attract 25 million tourists. Actually, the number of our tourist destinations and sites is far greater than that of Malaysia," member of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission X, Teguh Juwarno said on Thursday.

The Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Resources has set the target for tourist arrivals for 2019 at 20 million.

To attract more tourists, the government had waived visa requirements for 47 other countries a few months back. It also has eased requirements for foreign cruise ships and yachts entering the archipelago.

"The government has also designated 10 main tourist destinations, most of which are related to marine tourism, including Lake Toba, Seribu Islands, Wakatobi, and Labuan Bajo," Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Resources, Rizal Ramli said.

Teguh said DPR supports the government's step to eagerly promote the country's tourism industry abroad.

One of the ways in which he has extended support is that both the House and the government have agreed to allocate Rp3 trillion in funds for the tourism sector, he said.

Rizal is currently visiting Europe to promote Indonesia through the slogan "Wonderful Indonesia."

"We support the government's step to revive our tourism industry as it adds a multi-player effect to the national economy," he said.

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