Indonesia Pushes Cross-Sector Collaboration to Boost Cultural Tourism

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia’s Minister of Culture, Fadli Zon, has called for stronger cross-sector collaboration to accelerate the development of cultural tourism. The call was delivered during the first national congress and seminar of the Perkumpulan Peduli Wisata Budaya Indonesia (PEWIBI) in Jakarta , on Wednesday April 29, 2026.

The event brought together cultural stakeholders from across the archipelago to discuss sustainable cultural development under the theme of living heritage. It highlighted the importance of partnerships in strengthening Indonesia’s position in the global cultural landscape.

Fadli Zon welcomed PEWIBI as a strategic partner, noting its alignment with the government’s mandate to promote national culture internationally. “The state is tasked with advancing Indonesia’s culture amid global civilization,” he said, referencing the constitutional framework.

He emphasized Indonesia’s vast cultural tourism potential, ranging from ancient prehistoric cave paintings to diverse heritage sites spread nationwide. According to him, thousands of intangible cultural heritage elements have been recorded, with several already recognized globally.

“Cultural tourism holds enormous economic potential,” Fadli Zon stated, citing international examples where heritage management contributes significantly to national revenue. He added that cultural assets can strengthen the economy through creative industries and cultural-based development.

The minister underlined that cultural advancement requires cooperation among government institutions, private sectors, academia, communities, and media. “A healthy cultural ecosystem needs collaboration across sectors,” he said, highlighting opportunities for public-private partnerships in revitalizing heritage sites.

He also encouraged transforming cultural sites into “living heritage” that remains relevant and beneficial for society. According to him, collaboration with tourism businesses could create mutually beneficial outcomes while preserving cultural values.

Meanwhile, PEWIBI founder Irlisa Rachmadiana said the organization aims to support the government in advancing culture-based tourism through its global network. “PEWIBI is committed to being a non-political organization that upholds the spirit of unity in diversity,” she said, noting its presence across regions and continents.