Beijing,  (Antara) - The Indonesian government has told Chinese tourists that the country remains safe for foreign tourists, including those wanting to celebrate the Chinese Lunar New Year at its tourist resorts.

Following the recent terror attack in Jakarta, the security situation has returned to normal and the country is safe for tourists, Deputy Director of the Sale Mission for Asia and the Pacific of the Tourism Ministry, Jordi Paliama, said here recently.

"Now, the security situation in Jakarta, Bali and all Indonesian regions is safe and remains under control," he stated.

Indonesia hopes to lure 12 million foreign tourists, particularly from Malaysia, Singapore, China, Australia and Japan, this year.

"From China, especially, we plan to attract a total of 1.7 million tourists to spend holidays in Indonesia," he said, addressing some 100 Chinese businessmen engaged in tourism industry.

The number of Chinese tourists who visited Indonesia in 2014 was 959,231. It increased by 18.77 percent to 1,139,281 in 2015.

In addition to Bali, Indonesia has developed 10 major tourist destinations, according to him.

He said Indonesia is home to the world's largest Chinese descent population outside China.

"So, when you come to Indonesia, consider it your second home. You will feel that you are visiting a home of your relatives," he remarked.

Indonesia has prepared various attractions, including "barongsai" dragon dance, for the Chinese Lunar New Year.

"So, Indonesia is safe for Chinese tourists, including for those wanting to celebrate Imlek (Chinese New Year)," he noted.

The spokesman of the Indonesian embassy in Beijing, Santo Darmosusanto, said the Indonesian authorities have been serious in tackling the issue of terrorism.

"The Indonesian government is very caring and serious regarding the safety of its people and foreign nationals in its regions, both who are there for work or just to spend their holidays," he said.

Foreign tourists should not be scared of visiting Indonesia which is very safe and conducive to travel, he added.(*)

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Editor : Chandra Hamdani Noer


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