Joko Widodo Hopes Foreign Tourists Visit Bunaken Island

VIVA – President Joko Widodo inspected the Bunaken Tourism Area, on Friday, January 20, 2023. The President also reviewed the arrangement of tourist residences in the area. In this working visit, President Joko Widodo hopes foreign tourists to visit Bunaken Island, North Sulawesi.

This is because the government has improved the facilities on the island which is famous for its rich biodiversity.

"We hope that foreign tourists can return to Manado, North Sulawesi, especially in Bunaken. We are open to tourists from all countries, including China. The government has improved, at least the face is visible. Homestays have also been prepared. There are 50 houses that have been built by the government for the community," President Jokowi said.

President Jokowi estimates that in early February 2023, many foreign tourists will visit Bunaken. Despite opening the tourist destination, President Jokowi emphasized the importance of implementing health protocols to prevent health risks from occurring.

"Once again, we are open to tourists from anywhere. But what we see is that many are from China, the most important thing is health protocols," President Jokowi added.

President Jokowi visited Bunaken on the third day of his working visit to North Sulawesi. Jokowi used the Ultimate Victory Motorboat and departed from Mega Mas Pier, Manado City to go to Bunaken.

Also accompanying the President on the trip to Bunaken were Cabinet Secretary; Pramono Anung, Minister of Public Works and Public Housing; Basuki Hadimuljono, Governor of North Sulawesi; Olly Dondokambey, Pangdam XIII/Merdeka Major General; Alfred Denny Djoike Tuejeh, North Sulawesi Police Chief Inspector General; Setyo Budiyanto, and Manado Mayor; Andrei Angouw.