Foreigners Hold 'Indonesia is Safe' Campaign

VIVAnews - 30 foreign tourists sent a message to the world from South Sulawesi dubbed 'Indonesia is Safe'. They rode bicycles around South Sulawesi. The tourists affiliated in Cycle Sulawesi-Indonesia group started their rally from a hotel witnessed by the hotel management.

"We'd like to say to the world that it's safe to visit Indonesia," said leader of the group Collin on Tuesday, Jan 6.

Collin said he hoped that the message will be heard by the governments in the West. It is aimed at persuading them to remove travel warnings.

"I'm totally against the travel warning policies that the western countries put against Indonesia," an American tourist told reporters.

Although the United States have lifted its travel warning as of 23 May 2008, many European countries still have travel advisories or travel warnings issued for Indonesia.

In addition to holding an 'Indonesia is Safe' Campaign, they would also emphasize several themes to the community such as the importance of riding bicycle to preserve the environment and bringing forth cultural and tourism potentials existing in South Sulawesi.

The journey around South Sulawesi is expected to last up to 26 days. They will return to Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Jan. 30.

On the first day of their journey, they will visit a number of coastal regencies like Gowa, Takalar, Jeneponto, Bantaeng and Bulukumba. "Tonight, we are planning to stay at Bira Cape, Bulukumba Regency," said Collin.

They will also continue their journey by way of Bone, Sinjai and Tana Toraja before finally returning to Makassar through the west coast.

During the journey, the tourists, mostly from Australia and the United States, will be escorted by cars carrying their needs, as well as paramedics. Neither governmental officials nor police officers are involved in the rally.

Coverage: Zeena|Makassar
Translated by: Bonardo Maulana Wahono