AS PART of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono’s Cabinet reshuffle announced Tuesday, Dr Marie Eka Pangestu has been named Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy.
She was formerly Minister of Trade.
Her predecessor, Jero Wacik, who held the position of Minister of Culture and Tourism, is now Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources.
Dr Sapta Nurwandar, who was director-general of tourism marketing, is now vice minis ter of the new tourism ministry.
The trade is hailing the combination of tourism with ‘creative economy’.
Hotel Santika Jogjakarta general manager Ari Respati said: “I think Ibu Marie and Pak Sapta make a good combination. Both are professionals with good track record in their capacities. If they can work together, it will be positive for tourism.”
Sintesa Peninsula Manado executive assistant manager Jonathan Mokalu said: “Marie Pangestu recently held a conference in Manado to promote investment in Indonesia to international buyers. The feedback was positive.”
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy director of international promotions Nia Niscaya said: “Ibu Marie has very good relations with China. We hope she will repeat her success in bringing business from China with tourism, and also bring tourists from other parts of the world, of course.”
– Read more in ITB Asia 2011 Official Daily – Day 2 issue
