RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is strengthening the integration of culture and tourism as part of a strategy to increase international visitor arrivals and elevate its global cultural profile. Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, held a strategic meeting with Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, in Jakarta, Wednesday, 24 February 2026 to align policies and promotional efforts.

The discussion focused on integrating national heritage data, intangible cultural heritage, and curated travel patterns to enhance destination storytelling. Both ministries also emphasized digital promotion and international cultural diplomacy as key instruments to attract global travelers.

“Culture and tourism are closely interconnected, and collaboration is the key to ensuring our cultural potential truly increases visitor numbers,” Fadli said. He stressed that stronger program alignment would deliver tangible economic and social benefits.

Indonesia currently manages 313 National Cultural Heritage sites and 2,727 Intangible Cultural Heritage elements, including 514 newly recognized traditions in 2025. Officials acknowledged that these assets have not yet been fully optimized to strengthen heritage, religious, culinary, and historical tourism.

Among priority destinations, sites such as Borobudur Temple, Prambanan Temple, and the Ratu Boko and Plaosan temple complexes are being managed under a state partnership scheme. The government is also revitalizing Dieng and Muara Jambi temple areas, including the development of Kedaton and Koto Mahligai temples and the upcoming inauguration of the Sriwijaya Dharmakirti Museum.

Regarding Borobudur, Fadli noted that visitor capacity could still be optimized, with approximately 4,000 people currently allowed to access the main structure daily. “The installation of the chattra is expected to reinforce Borobudur as a living heritage site with spiritual meaning and global appeal,” he said.

The ministers also highlighted emerging destinations such as Banda Neira linked to the historic Spice Route, colonial forts in Maluku, and prehistoric cave sites including Leang-Leang and Leang Metanduno, whose findings have been published internationally. These narratives, officials believe, can strengthen Indonesia’s positioning as a center of ancient civilization and maritime history.