Australia Supports Tourism, Jobs In Indonesia

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Foreign Minister Bob Carr on Sunday announced Australia would provide $215,000 to support the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to help local villagers reap the benefits of tourism in Borobudur, Indonesia, according to the Australian Embassy in its official website, on Monday.

"Borobudur is one of Indonesia's greatest cultural and historical icons  the nation's largest Buddhist temple and potentially the largest in the world," Senator Carr said.

He said that millions of tourists visit the monument every year, but few tourist dollars flow to local families.

"The benefits from Borobudur's popularity should reach the 55,000 local villagers who call this area home," he said.

Senator Carr said Australia would seek to boost local jobs and tourism income through training for local workers on heritage tourism and quality handicraft production.(DWA)