RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, Zita Anjani, has emphasized that the development of historical tourism must go hand in hand with conservation and protection of cultural sites.

“Culture that is properly preserved can become a sustainable source of livelihood. But preservation must always remain the top priority to ensure its historical value endures for future generations,” Zita said in Jakarta on Sunday, February 15, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

Her remarks came during a visit to Muara Takus Temple in Kampar Regency, Riau Province, one of Sumatra’s most significant ancient heritage sites. The envoy also carried out working visits to Pekanbaru and Siak Regency.

In Pekanbaru, Zita held discussions with the Suku Seni Community, which actively promotes cultural preservation and strengthens community-based creative economies. She praised the role of young people and artists in safeguarding local identity amid modernization.

“Communities are the heart of experiential tourism. When culture is nurtured by its own younger generation, that is where tourism finds its soul,” she noted.

In Siak, Zita met with local government officials and engaged with the Suwai Community from Skelas, a youth group dedicated to experiential tourism and cultural preservation.

She also visited historical destinations and experienced Makan Berhanyut, a culinary tourism concept where visitors enjoy fish dishes on boats while drifting along the river.

According to Zita, such experiences represent authentic tourism that unites nature, river culture, and culinary traditions into a single narrative.

“People do not truly travel just to see new places, but to discover new ways of seeing the world and themselves. Tourism is not only about distance, but also about the values we encounter along the journey. And in Indonesia, that value is called culture,” she said.

She reaffirmed her commitment to building a tourism ecosystem rooted in cultural identity, community empowerment, and creative industries. This, she argued, is key to ensuring Riau’s tourism grows authentically, competitively, and inclusively, delivering economic benefits to local communities.

The visit is expected to serve as an initial step toward strengthening cross-regional synergy in Riau Province, fostering tourism that not only attracts visitors but also safeguards cultural and natural heritage as national assets. ***