INDONESIAN EFFORTS TO INCREASE THE INCOMING CHINESE TOURISTS UNDER THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA – THE PEOPLE’S REPUBLIC OF CHINA COMPREHENSIVE STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP, 2015-2019

Abstract

Tourism is a new type of industry capable of producing rapid economic growth in providing employment, increasing income, living standards and stimulating other productivity sectors. Indonesia, as is the case with developing countries and in the stage of developing the country, is also trying to develop this tourism industry, as a way to achieve a balanced foreign trade balance because through this industry it is expected that foreign exchange earnings can increase. For this reason, Indonesia is conducting tourism cooperation with China to empower existing natural potential to attract Chinese tourists to Indonesia, which refers to a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement between Indonesia and China. This research uses qualitative analysis methods and uses neoliberalism and soft power as a theoretical framework. This study found several findings, first is promotion by the Ministry of Tourism which was conducted to attract Chinese tourists to visit Indonesia, including: sales missions, consumer sales, travel socialization, also exhibitions and festivals. Second, after doing a promotion, it can be seen that the amount of number of tourists has been increasing and continues to grow significantly. This can be seen from the surge in foreign exchange earnings from the tourism sector which also continues to increase every year. Tourism cooperation between Indonesia and China is considered very important because information will continue to be provided by the two countries so that the implementation of the cooperation can run effectively and mutually benefit both parties.