Jakarta, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism (Kemenparekraf), Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has outlined the nation’s tourism goals for the next five years, with an emphasis on expanding the country’s “super priority” destinations. One of the Ministry’s top objectives is to enhance and increase these premier tourism locations.
Minister Widiyanti, said the initial focus will remain on five super priority sites: Lake Toba in North Sumatra, Borobudur Temple in Central Java, Mandalika in West Nusa Tenggara, Labuan Bajo in East Nusa Tenggara, and Likupang in North Sulawesi. This initiative builds on the groundwork laid by former Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno, who streamlined the country’s tourism priorities from ten destinations to five in 2021 to better concentrate resources.
“There were initially ten priority destinations under the previous administration,” Widiyanti explained in a press conference held at the Ministry of State-Owned Enterprises office in Jakarta on October 31, 2024. “It was reduced to five super priority destinations to allow for more focused, concentrated, and effective development. We aim to continue this approach and refine it further.”
Once the development of these five sites is completed, Widiyanti noted that the ministry will explore expanding the super priority list by adding five additional destinations. “Once we’ve seen positive outcomes with these five, we’ll evaluate adding others,” she emphasized.
Beyond expanding priority destinations, Widiyanti stressed the ministry’s commitment to attracting more high-quality international tourists. This initiative involves increasing Indonesia’s global tourism promotion efforts, specifically targeting visitors with a high interest in Indonesia’s unique offerings.
“We’ll focus more on promoting to high-quality tourists and increasing our promotional activities overseas,” Widiyanti said.
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The Ministry of Tourism will also work closely with other government agencies to enhance the travel experience for both domestic and international tourists. Widiyanti stated that improvements in accessibility, transportation, and airline ticket pricing would be key to making Indonesia a more affordable destination.
“We’re tackling accessibility, transport, and airfare costs in coordination with other ministries, ensuring that both international and domestic tourists can explore Indonesia affordably,” she explained.
This plan marks a continuation and expansion of Indonesia’s tourism strategy, aiming to cement the country’s position as a top global destination while boosting economic opportunities through sustainable, high-quality tourism experiences.
(Raidi/Agung)
