Seoul, South Korea – In the first assembly of 2024, Indonesia was elected to lead the Tourism and Culture Working Group of the ASEAN Korea Centre in Seoul (17/1). The Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Seoul was appointed as the Chair, while the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in Seoul was appointed as the Vice-Chair.
Joannes Ekaprasetya Tandjung, Coordinator of the Creative and Digital Economy Affairs at the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, who currently leads this group, explained that Indonesia’s leadership will serve as a conduit to voice the interests related to tourism and culture of ASEAN Committee member countries in Seoul to the ASEAN Korea Centre (AKC). They also aim to explore broader cultural and tourism-based cooperation.
Indonesia, currently leading amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, will direct strategies for cooperation between ASEAN member countries and South Korea in the tourism and culture sectors. Flagship programs, such as the ASEAN-Korea Culture and Tourism Integrated Experience, are expected to strengthen cooperation in this field.
Indonesia’s leadership in the Tourism and Culture Working Group of the AKC reflects recognition of Indonesia’s crucial role in strengthening cooperation between ASEAN countries and South Korea in the tourism and culture sector. The Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, as the driving force behind the promotion of Indonesian tourism, culture, and the creative economy, is determined to advance this cooperation through various activities such as the Colourful North Sulawesi event and Indonesia Night in Daegu. Through this leadership, it is expected to have a positive impact in supporting economic growth, sustainable development, and strengthening relations between ASEAN and South Korea in the tourism and culture sector.
In 2023, Indonesia focused on the theme “ASEAN Matters Epicentrum of Growth” and organised exciting events such as ASEAN Week 2023, tourism promotion video creation, the ASEAN Digital Library, and the Sustainable Tourism Development Forum. The agenda for 2024 will involve tourism promotion, cultural exchanges, and other interesting programs.
