Indonesia Expands Tourism Promotion to Taiwanese Campuses

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesia is intensifying efforts to promote its tourism and cultural diversity in Taiwan through educational outreach programs targeting younger generations. The initiative is being carried out by the Indonesian Economic and Trade Office (KDEI) to Taipei through the “KDEI Taipei Goes to Campus 2026” program.

Head of KDEI Taipei, Arif Sulistiyo, said the program aims to introduce Taiwanese students to Indonesia’s cultural richness, tourism destinations, and broader cooperation opportunities between Indonesia and Taiwan. According to him, educational institutions provide an effective platform to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two sides.

“Through KDEI Taipei Goes to Campus 2026, we want Taiwanese society, especially younger generations, to gain a more complete understanding of Indonesia’s cultural diversity and tourism attractions,” Arif said. He added that the initiative is expected to encourage more Taiwanese visitors to travel to Indonesia in the coming years.

Indonesia has recorded growing interest from Taiwanese travelers in recent years. In 2025, the number of Taiwanese tourists visiting Indonesia reached 204,704 people, marking an 11.65 percent increase compared to the previous year.

Arif noted that Taiwan consistently ranks among the top 20 sources of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia. He also said the integrated promotion campaign helps strengthen Indonesia’s image as a country known for its hospitality, cultural richness, and world-class tourism destinations.

Throughout the first half of 2026, the program was implemented at several educational institutions in Taiwan, including National Taichung University of Science and Technology and Stella Matutina Girls High School in Taichung. KDEI Taipei also collaborated with the Indonesian Student Association at National Chengchi University during the “World Food 2026” event.

The activities featured presentations on Indonesian traditions, tourism destinations, creative industries, and cultural performances, including angklung demonstrations and traditional dances. Taiwanese students were also invited to taste Indonesian snacks and culinary specialties as part of the cultural introduction.

“This wajik is very delicious. The sweetness of palm sugar combined with coconut milk creates a unique and interesting taste,” Dolores, a student from Stella Matutina Girls High School said after sampling the traditional Indonesian snack.

Arif Sulistiyo, conveyed campus-based cultural promotion remains an effective strategy for strengthening friendship and cultural understanding between Indonesia and Taiwan.