Jakarta, October 06, 2024 – The Europe Today: The International Creatives Exchange (ICE) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (ASITA) at Al Barkat Palace in South Jakarta on Saturday (5/10). The MoU, comprising 11 key points, seeks to enhance tourism cooperation between Indonesia and Pakistan, aiming to strengthen the ties between the two friendly nations.
Atta Ul Karim, Chairman of ICE, expressed his gratitude for the mutual collaboration, reflecting on his personal connection to both countries. “I was born in Pakistan but grew up and succeeded in Indonesia. I owe much to both nations,” said Atta, who was wearing golden brown batik. He emphasized that improving tourism between the two countries is a key way to give back. “One of the best ways to do this is by continuously striving to enhance tourism in both brotherly nations,” he added.
Atta highlighted ASITA’s longstanding reputation as a key player in Indonesia’s tourism industry since its establishment in 1971, viewing the organization as the right partner to bring his vision to life.
ASITA President, Mrs. Rusmiati, expressed her pride in the agreement, pointing out Pakistan’s untapped tourism potential. “Many countries have worked with ASITA, but Pakistan has yet to make its mark in the tourism world. Its natural beauty is beyond imagination, comparable to Switzerland or New Zealand,” said Rusmiati, dressed in a black pashmina. She also noted the cultural and halal tourism similarities between Pakistan and Indonesia, given their status as the world’s two largest Muslim-majority nations.
The ceremony was witnessed by several notable figures, including Mrs. Siti Nur Azizah, daughter of Indonesia’s Vice President, and Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma, Chargé d’Affaires of the Indonesian Embassy in Islamabad.
Mrs. Siti Nur Azizah, who had just attended the 79th Anniversary of the Indonesian National Armed Forces, expressed hope that the agreement would benefit both countries’ tourism industries. “This collaboration could help elevate the long-standing bilateral relations between Indonesia and Pakistan, especially ahead of the 75th anniversary of our diplomatic relations next year,” she noted.
Mr. Rahmat Hindiarta Kusuma also expressed his support for the MoU, reflecting on his experiences as an Indonesian diplomat in Pakistan. “I’ve enjoyed Pakistan’s breathtaking landscapes and unique culture. The people are incredibly welcoming, especially when they know we are from Indonesia. This agreement could open the door to direct flights between the two countries, which would have a significant positive impact,” he said. During his one-year tenure in Pakistan, Mr. Kusuma has explored several regions in the country, further strengthening his belief in the potential for increased tourism.
Currently, there are no direct flights between Indonesia and Pakistan, which remains a barrier to expanding tourist numbers. However, the collaboration between ICE and ASITA aims to boost tourism between the two nations, potentially prompting airlines to establish direct routes in the future.
ASITA, with its 89 branches and over 7,000 travel agencies across Indonesia, looks forward to seeing the positive outcomes of this agreement.
