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A dispatch has just been received from Justin Friend, a long-time supporter of this website and a major player in the provision of excursions through his company, Austronesian Expedition Services.
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| Sumatra (Justin Friend) |
While working with international expedition cruise lines, such as the French-flagged PONANT, he has played a major part in bringing together stakeholders to create enriching shore experiences in locations unsupported by the complex infrastructure of ports normally utilised by the big "white ship" fleet.
The Australian Consulate-General in Surabaya and East Java Provincial Government welcomed the visit of the cruise ship Le Lapérouse to the Port of Probolinggo on Friday, 10 January.
The Le Lapérouse is one of the 14 ships in the Ponant Australia fleet offering expeditions to remote destinations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific for tourists from Australia and elsewhere since 1988.
"With over 17,000 islands, the Indonesian archipelago is the ideal destination for exploration aboard one of our small boutique expedition ships,” said Mick Fogg, Director of Expeditions at Ponant Australia who travelled from Sydney for this event. “From the dramatic landscapes of Mount Bromo to the vibrant marine paradise of Raja Ampat, the archipelago is an adventure in waiting. Our guests can experience unforgettable wildlife encounters with Great Apes, Komodo Dragons, and Whale Sharks, while exploring a rich tapestry of history and culture set against a backdrop of spectacular scenery. However, what truly sets Indonesia apart is the genuine warmth and hospitality of its people—a highlight that stays with our guests long after their journey ends."
“What sets Ponant Australia apart is our desire to work directly with local people, empowering them to help create a bespoke unique experience for our guests. During our visits to each destination, we encourage our guests to interact with the local people as it builds mutual understanding and respect” Mr Fogg said.
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| Smaller, boutique expedition cruise ships like PONANT's Le Laperouse do not require conventional port facilities, enabling them to access remote locations (supplied) |
Ponant Australia has been operating luxury expedition voyages throughout the Indonesian archipelago since 2014 with itineraries visiting Sumatra, Java, Nusa Tenggara, Sulawesi, the Moluccas and Western New Guinea. In 2025 Ponant Australia will offer tourists from Australia, Europe and across the globe the opportunity to explore Indonesia’s ‘lesser known’ destinations on 13 voyages aboard their small luxury boutique expedition ships.
The visit was supported by Australian-owned Austronesian Expedition Services, which coordinates the land-based elements of expeditions by Ponant Australia and several other Australian-owned cruise lines. It has been operating across the Indonesian archipelago for five years and is looking to expand its operations in East Java.
Justin Friend, Director of Austronesian Expedition Services said his tours created opportunities for interaction with local people, which help build cultural understanding. “Our clients are keen to experience the culture and environment of Indonesia, including its wonderful food, art, music and dance. East Java is the perfect place for that type of experience”, said Mr Friend.
Mr Friend said “boutique cruises such as this offer the full cultural experience and often include naturalists, scientists and historians to educate passengers about the local people and environment.”
My clients include three Australian cruise lines that are looking to expand their operations in Indonesia, including East Java.”
"We are pleased the Le Lapérouse passengers were able to visit East Java and Mount Bromo, which is one of Indonesia’s natural wonders" said Australian Consul-General Glen Askew. "This form of cultural tourism not only contributes to local economies and the livelihoods of local people but also strengthens people-to-people links”, Consul-General Askew added.
“The Australian Government, through the Provincial Road Improvement and Maintenance (PRIM) pilot program, supported maintenance works on the Bromo Tengger Semeru access road in Probolinggo Regency (2019-22). The project improved access to tourism, employment opportunities, healthcare, education, and social services along Indonesia’s provincial road network”, said Consul-General, Askew.
Website: http://www.surabaya.consulate.gov.au
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