13-3-2024 (JAKARTA) Indonesian Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno’s recent visit to Singapore has sparked discussions on potential bilateral collaborations in hosting major concerts and international events, coinciding with pop sensation Taylor Swift’s exclusive six-date concert series in the city-state.
During his visit, Sandiaga held discussions with Grace Fu Hai Yien, Singapore’s minister-in-charge of trade relations and minister for sustainability and the environment.
Singapore played host to global pop icon Taylor Swift for six electrifying performances between March 2 and Saturday.
Commenting on the economic impact of Swift’s concerts, Sandiaga remarked in a statement on Sunday, “Considering the recent Taylor Swift concert in Singapore, the Singaporean economy has seen a significant increase, as the concert-goers brought in five times more spending than the typical tourists.”
The exclusive deal between Swift and Singapore ensured that the city-state was the sole South-East Asian destination on the 13-time Grammy winner’s Eras Tour. While the terms of the deal remain undisclosed, it has stirred some controversy among neighbouring countries, although Singapore has asserted that the move was not meant to be hostile.
In response, Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Pandjaitan pledged on Friday that Indonesia would not be overshadowed by Singapore, expressing Indonesia’s intention to organize large-scale concerts with international appeal to bolster tourism.
Sandiaga unveiled plans for a special reserve called the Indonesia Tourism Fund, aimed at assisting local organizers in hosting major concerts and events. The fund is set to encompass cultural gatherings, sporting competitions, and other significant events. The ministry also committed to enhancing infrastructure, streamlining permit issuance, and investing in human capital to facilitate these initiatives, including measures to combat ticket scalping.
“We hope promoters and event organizers will encounter fewer obstacles, and that the process will be more cost-effective,” Sandiaga remarked, discussing the government’s efforts to digitize permit applications and issuance.
The government aims to establish the fund by the end of this month with an initial endowment of Rp 2 trillion (US$129.1 million).
Swift’s concerts have been renowned for driving substantial economic benefits to host cities, a phenomenon dubbed “Swiftonomics”. In Singapore, over 300,000 tickets were sold for her performances at the National Stadium, attracting fans from various countries. Reports indicate a 30 per cent surge in demand for accommodation during Swift’s Singapore stop.
Singapore has previously hosted notable events such as Formula 1 races and a six-day concert series featuring British pop sensation Coldplay. While Singapore was a highlight on Coldplay’s tour, the band also performed in Indonesia on a single date during the same tour.
