Indonesia assumes leadership of ASEAN Cultural and Tourism Working Group in Seoul

Joannes Ekaprasetya Tandjung, right, minister counsellor from the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, chairs the first meeting of the Cultural and Tourism Working Group in 2024 at the ASEAN Korea Centre in Seoul, Wednesday. Courtesy of Indonesian Embassy in Seoul

Indonesia has been selected to lead the Cultural and Tourism Working Group (CTWG) within the ASEAN Korea Centre for 2024. The Embassy of Indonesia in Seoul will serve as the chair, with the Embassy of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic assuming the role of vice chair in the CTWG.

Joannes Ekaprasetya Tandjung, minister counsellor from the Indonesian Embassy in Seoul, chaired the first meeting of the CTWG in 2024, Wednesday. Representatives from the Embassies of Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam attended the meeting, addressing important topics such as the summary of activities in 2023 and the work plan for 2024.

The chairmanship of Indonesia in the CTWG is crucial to articulate the collaborative strategy on culture and tourism between ASEAN member states and Korea throughout 2024. Planned activities for the year include the promotion of tourism and cultural exchanges, such as the ASEAN-Korea Culture and Tourism Integrated Experience and a capacity-building program for ASEAN-Korea Quality Tourism Development Towards Sustainability.

The ASEAN Committee in Seoul, established under Article 43 of the ASEAN Charter, plays a vital role in advancing ASEAN interests and fostering a distinct ASEAN identity in Korea. The committee facilitates various ASEAN-related affairs within Korea, promoting cooperation between ASEAN and Korea across different sectors, including culture and tourism.