DENPASAR. The recent visit of former United States president Barrack Obama to Indonesia is expected to give the nation’s tourism a boost, Tourism Minister Arief Yahya says.

"One of the best endorsements you can get in marketing is from celebrities. They could be an artist or a political figure, and Obama is an international figure. It will have a positive impact," he said in a statement issued on Friday.

Indonesia aims to attract 15 million foreign tourists this year and the figure is expected to climb to 20 million foreign visitors by 2019.

Obama has arrived in Bali and will enjoy a holiday until next Wednesday. He will reportedly stay at Four Seasons Resort in Bali.

Various sources have reported that Obama will arrive along with 12 others, including former first lady Michelle Obama and their daughters Sasha and Malia Obama. (Farida Susanty)

Editor: Barratut Taqiyyah Rafie