(AGI) Rome, Nov 24 - Indonesia presented its plans for tourismdevelopment on Tuesday in Rome at the "Sales Diving Mission"organised by the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism in partnershipwith the Indonesian embassy. The country's focus is on smallislands, diving, and a boost to infrastructure. "The tourismsector can make a big contribution to the country's economicdevelopment through the creation of companies and jobs, thedevelopment of infrastructure and an increase in exports," saidDes Alwi, Deputy Head of Mission of the Indonesian embassy. MrAlwi also condemned the attacks in Paris, stressing how "thedevelopment of tourism can help increase contacts betweenpeoples and thus mutual understanding, and also reduce socialtensions due to greater wealth". Indonesia, a country of17,000 islands and around 300 different ethnic groups, hasrecently removed the visa requirement for stays of less than 30days to tourists from 90 countries including Italy, in order toattract more travellers. The World Tourism Organisation figuresare positive: in 2014 the number of international arrivals inIndonesia rose by 7 percent. "We expect this figure to increasein 2015 and be strengthened until 2017, thanks to lower oilprices, which enables low transport costs," Mr Alwi added. "Indonesia is the ideal destination for people who lovediving, because you can go for a dip all year round. There isno low season here," said John E. Sidjabat, President of theIndonesian Recreational Diving Business Association. "We areworking together with the Ministry of Tourism to ensure thatall workers in the sector comply with quality standards, andthere are already 360 operators that guarantee safety,sustainability and environmental protection." This is an issueof particular importance for a country that has the CoralTriangle: "Of about 600 species of coral that exist in theworld" continued Sidjabat, "559 are found in the waters rangingfrom Bali (west), to Karakelong (north), and Papua (east)." As for the infrastructure development, Italy can play animportant role. During the recent state visit of PresidentSergio Mattarella to Indonesia, Minister Federica Guidi and herIndonesian counterpart signed a joint statement confirming thedesire to work for the construction of all the infrastructurenecessary for the major maritime development initiated by theIndonesian government. There are plans for 24 commercial ports(five major and 19 minor), 12 airports, and 2,000 km ofrailways, just to mention the major works. Italy iscontributing its expertise in the fields of shipbuilding,coastal and border controls, maritime safety, port structuresand patrols. The meeting was attended by leading Italiantour operators operating in the region: Mappamondo, Goasia,Firmamento, Aquadiving Tours, Albatros Top Boat, Idee perViaggiare, H2O Viaggi, Adventures Travel, Viaggi nel MondoSrl, and several diving magazines. (AGI) . .