Indonesian Consulate General in Penang Helps Promote ‘Wonderful Indonesia’

Jakarta. Indonesian Consulate Generals overseas have been helping out with the Tourism Ministry’s “Wonderful Indonesia” marketing campaign, including the consulate general in Malaysia which organized Indonesia’s appearance in the Malaysia International Travel Mart in Penang on Sunday (09/07).

Consul General Iwanshah Wibisono personally took part in the Wonderful Indonesia event at the tourism expo, partnered by Malaysian Chinese Tourism Association (MCTA) Chairman Andy Chuah.

“Here you can see a real Phinisi boat that has explored five continents,” Iwanshah told visitors at the Wonderful Indonesia booth.

Indonesia brought top tourism industry players to Penang to promote leading tourist destinations in the archipelago, including Raja Ampat in Papua, which was declared the best snorkeling site in the world in 2015 by CNN, and Labuan Bajo in Flores, East Nusa Tenggara.

The other tourist destinations currently being promoted are Bali, Lombok and Yogyakarta, three regions that have the best and most popular tourist attractions in the country.

“Indonesia is paradise on earth. Our natural attractions are always in the world’s top 20. We have great culture, delicious food and friendly people. Where else can you go for holidays and get all of that?” the consul general said.

Indonesia’s tourism industry has been targeting tourists from Penang, especially those from its sizable Chinese population — 40.5 percent of the city’s total population according to a 2015 research by Penang Institute.

The city is the third most urbanized state in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur and Selangor, contributing 6.4 percent of the country’s economic growth in the same year.

“Penang has big potentials for us. Holiday tours to Bali and Yogyakarta are popular here, since the majority of the population loves maritime and heritage tourism,” Iwanshah said.

MCTA Chairman Andy Chuah agreed with Iwanshah, saying, “Indonesia is a preferred destination for Malaysian tourists. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.”

Tourism Minister Arief Yahya praised Iwanshah’s initiative to take part in the tourism expo personally and also thanked the MCTA chairman for his contribution.

“It turns out not only Indonesians get into the spirit of ‘Indonesia Incorporated.’ This important figure in Penang has also helped out with promoting Wonderful Indonesia,” Arief said.

He added that endorsement by important public figures will help the government reach its target of attracting 20 million foreign tourists annually to Indonesia by 2019.

Jakarta Warnings and Dangers

As one of the largest cities in the world, Jakarta has its own series of potential dangers you need to know about before making your way to the capital city of Indonesia.

Avoid Traveler’s Checks

Back in the day, one of the best ways to travel to a country was with the American Express Traveler’s Checks. That no longer is the case. Attempting to cash these traveler’s checks is often problematic. Only major bank locations will accept these checks, so smaller branches will likely not take them (because there has been a problem with counterfeiting so banks no longer accept them). If you do have these checks, you’ll be better off trying to cash them inside of the airport. Some travel agents may take the checks and a few other locations can accept these, but you’ll probably be charged a big fee. Instead, just use your debit or credit card.

Taxi Drivers

There are all sorts of taxi scams and problems you’ll encounter. Sometimes it is nearly impossible to avoid a few of these. However, if you are mindful of what is going on, you can greatly reduce your chance of such a problem.

For starters, never take a taxi that doesn’t use a meter. If someone tries to quote you a price you need to avoid it. They will quote you a price far above what it should cost. Even if you negotiate him down, you’ll still overpay.

Other problems includes taxi drivers rigging the meters so you pay more. This isn’t as common but it still happens. To avoid this you’ll want to hail a taxi that looks reliable. If it looks like a fake cab (it just doesn’t match the rest) than avoid it. Most of the major taxi companies are regulated so if you get in authentic looking cabs you should be alright. If you have your hotel hail a cab that will work as well.

Always Have Your ID

Now, as a tourist you’ll likely always have your ID with you anyway, but this is just an extra reminder. There are often roadblocks around town for various reasons and IDs may be checked. Make sure to have your passport. You can have your driver’s license and this may work, or you may run into a police officer who wants something more. Also, make sure you have a photocopy of your passport kept somewhere in your luggage. This way, should something happen to your passport you can go to your national embassy in Jakarta and have a replacement expedited. Emergency passports are available and work for 24 hours if you are flying out within this time. If not, the expedited passport should only take a few days.

Careful Crossing

In such a huge city, traffic is crazy. Even if you have a crosswalk in your favor, watch out and pay attention. It isn’t unheard of for a pedestrian to be hit and injured because a driver wasn’t paying attention.

Imagine yourself as an Islander living in an elegant Victorian home on a shady, oak-lined street on the Island’s east end, or in a home overlooking the sparkling Gulf of Mexico on the west end. There is a variety of rental property to choose from throughout the Island; from Galveston has the amenities of a larger city, but with tight-knit small town friendliness.

Its ethnically diverse citizens have worked together to make their city better since the early days of its founding in 1836. When faced with adversity, Galvestonians unite to solve whatever obstacles may arise. Non-profit organizations and community groups offer a variety of volunteer opportunities regardless of your interests or desired area of service.

The Island has a multifaceted economic base with expanding job markets in tourism, the medical field, marine-related fields, as well as other areas. Education, banking, insurance and marine industries also are job fields that contribute to the strong, diverse economy. Island life is enhanced by the absence of drive-time traffic reports on the radio and heavy traffic delays. The major thoroughfares are rarely heavily congested, even during peak times. And it takes no more than 15-20 minutes to get anywhere you want to go on the Island.

All this time saved driving to work and running errands can be spent enjoying Island life.

When the work day is over, pack a picnic dinner and some easy chairs and head to the beach. Temperatures are moderate, so outdoor activities are enjoyable year-round. Relax and enjoy watching the waves roll in at sunset as sandpipers scurry along the edge of the gulf water.

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