Overtourism Challenges Indonesia’s Tourism Management

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Rising tourist numbers are creating new challenges for the sustainability of several destinations in Indonesia. IndonesiaWISE CEO Amol Titus said visitor numbers and tourist flows need better management to prevent damage to destinations.

Titus made the statement during VOI Talk on RRI Voice of Indonesia on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. He explained that the capacity of a destination does not necessarily increase as the number of visitors grows.

“Over tourism is a threat. But the answer is not to close the tourism. The answer is to manage the tourism,” Titus said. He believes sustainable tourism management is key to balancing economic benefits with destination conservation.

Titus explained that destinations such as temples, natural areas, beaches, and mangrove sites have certain capacities for receiving visitors. Exceeding those capacities can increase pressure on the environment and cultural heritage.

He cited the management of visitor access to Leonardo da Vinci’s The Last Supper in Italy as an example. Visitors are limited in number and must book in advance to receive a designated visiting time.

Titus said a similar approach could be applied to vulnerable destinations in Indonesia. He cited temple complexes as examples that could require visitor capacity limits to prevent damage caused by excessive tourism.

“Once we identify that these are the fragile destinations, we have to plan the capacity,” he said. Such capacity planning includes regulating visitor numbers and coordinating tourist flows at individual destinations.

Titus said capacity management must consider economic benefits while also addressing responsibility for the future. He warned that excessive efforts to maximize tourism revenue could damage destinations and reduce their long-term appeal.

“Let's preserve the natural environment. Let's preserve the heritage,” he said. He stressed the importance of maintaining positive tourist experiences while ensuring destinations remain sustainable for future generations.

Titus expressed hope that Indonesia can develop tourism management that balances economic growth with environmental and cultural protection. With proper management, tourism destinations can continue benefiting local communities without losing their heritage value.