JAKARTA (indo.com): More travellers are expected to visit and explore Indonesia's varied culture and natural beauty now that security is better guaranteed following the successful and peaceful special session that appointed Megawati Soekarnoputri as the country's new president.

courtesy of detik.com

Even though it is premature to predict complete stability following the appointment of the country's fifth president, the successful and peaceful special session bodes very well for the future, one tourism analyst said.

"The appointment of Megawati is expected to end the rifts among political factions that have caused unrest in society," he said, adding that only with guaranteed security and political stability will travellers visit Indonesia.

In a special session by the people's Consultative Assembly (MPR), Megawati Soekarnoputri was elected as a new president on Monday, replacing Abdurrahman Wahid. Her election came just a few minutes after the Assembly revoked the mandate it had given Wahid on the grounds that he had exceeded his authority, particularly by issuing a decree suspending the Assembly and the House of Representatives in the early hours of Monday.

Many observers were concerned that the special session may provoke a backlash from supporters of President Wahid in many parts of Indonesia. However, with no riots taking place, there is no reason to worry, he said.

On the day of the special session in Jakarta, it was business as usual throughout the capital. Although the streets were less crowded than usual, offices and public facilities such as shops, malls, banks and railway stations remained open. Many followed the special session enthusiastically on TV, but many others took a more nonchalant stance. "I really don't care whether there is a special session or not", one sidewalk vendor commented. "What is most important is that the new president should create peace and bring welfare for the populace".

Most expats in Jakarta were also about their business as usual, unconcerned by the special session. Indeed, throughout the archipelago, the much-anticipated backlash failed to materialise.

In Bali, the stronghold of the Indonesian Democratic Party for Struggle (PDIP), chaired by Megawati, street celebrations sprang up in many locations, with locals holding long rallies in major tourism spots like Kuta, Sanur and Ubud, expressing their delight with the appointment of Megawati as a new president. Several foreigners were also seen joining the rallies and yelling, "Long live Mega".

Renewed Interest
Meanwhile, detik.com reported that Dutch travellers were expressing their relief over the change in the new government of Indonesia, indicating renewed interest in visiting the country - often referred by the Dutch as 'Gordel van Smaragd'.

Prospective Dutch travellers gave positive responses to the change in the government, with many local travel agencies reportedly showing the signs of increasing holiday reservations. "Interest in travelling to Indonesia is starting to grow again," Leontien, a Holland International (HI) official was quoted by detik.com as saying.

"Last week-end I was worried. However, the news on the subsequent developments brings relief," said a prospective Dutch traveller who has booked a Java-Bali Holiday Package.

The number of Dutch travellers visiting Indonesia has dropped significantly over the last few years due to security factors and political instability - many of them shifted their destination to other countries. According to data at the Dutch Travel Agency Federation (Algemeen Netherlands Verbond van Reisondernemingen (ANVR)), the average number of Dutch travellers dropped to 9,000 in 2000 from the previous average 124,000.

"We want to relax and enjoy holidays. Ik wil vacantie. If we want to seek trouble, why go as far as Indonesia?," said Jessica, a ANVR official, revealing the general attitude of Dutch tourists.

However, the news on the change in the government of Indonesia has led them to renew their interest in travelling to the country, she said.