Brigitte Macron explores Borobudur with Indonesian tourism minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana accompanied French First Lady, Brigitte Macron, during the Spouse Program to enjoy the scenery at Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, on Thursday.

"I am honored to be able to accompany First Lady Brigitte Macron in this event. This is an extraordinary opportunity to show the world the beauty of Indonesian culture," the minister noted in a statement on Friday.

Wardhana highlighted that the visit could help promote Indonesia's tourist destinations and strengthen relations between countries that respect each other's diversity and culture.

The two also visited Manohara Resort, located within the Borobudur Temple Tourism Park area, which served as the venue for an Indonesian cultural and religious exhibition attended by the French delegation.

In addition to activities at Manohara, President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady, along with the French delegation, visited Borobudur Temple, which spans around 123 square meters and has nine stories.

Wardhana earlier stated that the two countries enjoy close bilateral cooperation in the tourism sector.

On this occasion, the Ministry of Tourism renewed this collaboration by signing several initiatives under the Joint Vision 2050.

The collaboration involves strengthening the tourism sector, developing internationally standardized human resources, and enhancing connectivity to promote tourist exchanges.

According to Wardhana, the two countries also agreed to increase collaboration in the gastronomy and cultural heritage sectors.

This step is followed by developing joint promotions through gastronomy campaigns and introducing traditional Indonesian textiles in the international market, especially through the Indonesian Gastronomy Week, planned to be held in France.

This year, her ministry is upbeat about creating more opportunities for sustainable tourism development and introducing Indonesia's cultural richness to the global community.

"Through this cultural collaboration, Indonesia can strengthen its position as a leading tourist destination based on cultural diversity and natural beauty," she remarked.

In 2024, the number of French tourists visiting Indonesia was recorded at 346,337.

According to Statistics Indonesia (BPS) data from 2023, French tourists stayed an average of 16.85 nights, with an average spending per visit of US$1,900, as per the 2024 BPS data.

Popular activities for French tourists in Indonesia comprise marine tourism, art, culture, nature, culinary experiences, wine, and history.