PRESS RELEASE
MINISTRY OF TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY/TOURISM AND CREATIVE ECONOMY AGENCY
ID HOTELIER - The success of ATF 2023 impacts the economic revival and community employment Yogyakarta, February 6th 2023 - Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of Tourism and Creative Economy Agency, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, appreciated the Provincial Government and all of the people of Yogyakarta for their active participation and support as the host of the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF), which was held smoothly and successfully.
The series of the 2023 ATF was officially closed with a gala dinner (Royal Banquet) by the Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X at the Yogyakarta Palace on Sunday (6/2/2023) evening.
“I was very impressed with the welcome and hospitality from the Sultan. All ASEAN ministers were also stunned by the banquet and dance, which illustrated that wisdom is very much needed in our life, especially in facing challenges and struggles,” according to Minister Sandiaga.
On that occasion, the Aji Saka dance entertained the delegates. A Javanese legend tells about the arrival of civilization to the Land of Java, brought by a king named Aji Saka. This story also tells about the myth of the origin of the Javanese Scripts. In addition, the delegates also wore Yogyakarta’s typical Nitik Batik. It has cultural values and a heritage of culture and identity of the people of Yogyakarta Special Region. This batik has the Gunungan Nitik Warni motif, which means that human life and its content are the creations of God Almighty, and all will return to Him. Gunungan also symbolizes a unifying thought.
“About 20 years ago, ATF was also held in Yogyakarta. And this year, in the same place, it is successfully held. We extend our gratitude to the Sultan and all of the people of Yogyakarta for hosting this event very well, welcoming all delegates warmly, and leaving a deep impression on the ministers,” he added.
The ministers and delegates said that they would never forget this night. “The 2023 ATF has left a memorable experience for the ministers,” he continued.
Meanwhile, the Governor of Yogyakarta Special Region, as well as the Sultan (King) of the Ngayogyakarta Palace, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, also expressed his gratitude to the central government for trusting Yogyakarta to host the 2023 ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF).
“ASEAN Tourism Ministers and delegates, thank you for the cooperation, support, and ideas poured in during the 2023 ATF agenda. I am optimistic that ATF will be a new episode that is prouder and more dignified for the ASEAN countries,” according to Sri Sultan HB X. He encouraged the delegates to strengthen cooperation between ASEAN countries to achieve a brighter future. “Hopefully, this event will give us more enthusiasm in the tourism sector,” Sri Sultan HB X said.
I Gusti Ayu Dewi Hendriyani
Head of Communication Bureau
Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy/Tourism and Creative Economy Agency
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