Taiwan and Indonesia have embarked on a journey to strengthen their partnership, focusing on mutual economic growth and the promotion of tourism. A pivotal meeting was held between Director General Mr. Zhou Yonghui, Taiwan Tourism Bureau, and Mr. Iqbal, the representative of the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office in Taipei, on January 30. The primary purpose of the meeting was to express gratitude for Indonesia's unwavering support of the Taiwan Lantern Festival from February 3 to March 10. Simultaneously, they engaged in comprehensive discussions to explore opportunities for deeper economic cooperation, particularly within the flourishing tourism sector.

In light of Indonesia's emergence as an economic powerhouse and a popular travel destination, it is anticipated that approximately 200,000 Indonesian tourists will explore Taiwan in 2023. Recognizing the significance of Indonesia as a key overseas market, Director General Zhou announced plans to establish a Taiwan Tourism Service Center in Jakarta on February 28. This strategic move aims to amplify promotional efforts and disseminate information, contributing to the shared goal of bolstering tourism ties between the two nations.

Acknowledging Indonesia's distinction as home to the world's largest Muslim population, comprising 87% of its citizens, Taiwan's Tourism Bureau is dedicated to creating a welcoming and Muslim-friendly destination. Mr. Iqbal, supporting the choice of Jakarta for the service center, emphasized its pivotal role in disseminating information on Muslim-friendly travel environments. The Bureau's focus on promoting Taiwan as a Muslim-friendly destination through various channels aligns with the vast potential of the Muslim travel market.

The comprehensive discussions between the two nations expanded beyond tourism, encompassing initiatives to strengthen ties through culinary promotions, collaborative events, and private-sector cooperation. These initiatives included organizing culinary festivals, signing a memorandum of tourism cooperation, and participating in major travel exhibitions such as the Taipei International Travel Fair and the ASTINDO Travel Fair in Indonesia. Both nations expressed eagerness to accelerate tourism collaboration through public-private partnerships.

The grand finale awaits at the 2024 Taiwan Lantern Festival, showcasing a lantern replica of the iconic Borobudur Buddhist temple, symbolizing the brilliance of Taiwan and Indonesia's flourishing alliance. The future holds great promise for this dynamic partnership, where economic prosperity and enchanting tourism experiences take center stage.