@Devine; I completely concur with your observation "I've not met a single person whose had a good word" to say about Jero Wacik. If it weren't for Bali's seemingly immutable drawing power both Wacik's incompetence and breathtaking superficial knowledge of how sophisticated and intelligent tourism campaigns are orchestrated would have been revealed long before now. He is, sadly, symbolic of the shambolic administrative style in evidence that many of SBY's ministers display in the management of their respective portfolios. His media appearances are akin to Groundhog Day, Wacik sees his shadow and perpetually retreats back to his ministry's office for weeks on end as his grand PR schemes lie fallow and most die on the vine from neglect and half baked implementation schemes.

WongDeso: Whilst I am able to comprehend your feelings, perhaps you might want to consider the fact, that, there's nothing "free" in this world?

@Londoedan: Visa on arrival fee is fair enough and based on reciprocal. We also have to pay Visa going to Australia. However, I agree, the visa stay should be at least 60days.

@Devine: USD45Mio is not worth spending, this is just a shrewd self-interest group tactic to generate money.

For example,shrewd self-interest business, include: Multi-Level-Marketing scheme; ISO Certification; Halal Certification, etc.

Some best ways to promote Indponesia Tourism is:

1).Invite and encourage Foreign Movie makers to make movies in Indonesia;

2).Expand infrastructure to International standard eg. build air-transportation networks, airports, roads, clean toilets, health facilities, etc.

3).Continuous Promote Tourism, where self funding comes mostly from Tourism related taxes, eg. Hotel and Restaurant taxes.

4).Get rid terrorist and educate hard-line to respect secular law.

5).Hired Local PR with International connection to promote Indonesia through Electronic and Print Mass Media.

6).Stop Corruptions and use the money where it belongs.

We have so many beautiful Islands and Natural sceneries, and yet our Tourism is still low compare to neighboring countries.

It is better to use the money to create a very sophisticated website to promote tourism in Indonesia.

Screw the New7Wonders. They only take advantage the needy. If Indonesia can't afford to be the host, why don't they ask US or Brazil? BTW, what they have in Switzerland? Bank for the crook. Duh.

I have not met a single person in the tourist sector that had a good word about Jero Wacik. Too long holding this position and not achieving the desired results. Just bla bla bla all the time. So far so good. If the story the minister tells is actually true, then> 1. USD 45 mio is "nothing" for a country like ours. 2. We collect at least USD 87.5 mio in Visa on Arrival per year alone (3.5mio visa tourist at USD 25 = 50% of arrivals) and 3. if the Government can spend USD 666,666 per addtional seat for the newly planed Government building in Jkt (200 mio USD)or 4. Bali spending 300mio for a APEC convention center (while it would be much cheaper and MUCH NICER at existing GWK Cultural Park)then a little sum of USD 45 million is a bargain to put Indonesia' Kommodo Island on the international hotspot. I bet additional Visa on Arrival revenues alone will surpas this "investment" amount in the 1-2 years... So, Bpk Jero...do THE RIGHT thing, for once...