Deputy Minister Pledges Support for Arjasa Tourism Village in Jember

KBRN, Jember: Indonesia's Tourism Deputy Minister Ni Luh Puspa has pledged support for the development of Arjasa Tourism Village in Jember, East Java, as part of a national strategy to strengthen local economies.

The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to grassroots empowerment, a key priority under President Prabowo’s Asta Cita (eight-point vision).

During her visit on Sunday, August 10, 2025, Ni Luh emphasized that tourism villages are a core program of the ministry, designed to ensure that communities benefit directly from tourism development.

“I saw firsthand how the people of Arjasa are actively involved in the tourism sector. They are no longer spectators, but participants, meaning the local economy revolves around the community,” she said as reported by antaranews.com.

The Ministry of Tourism, she added, is ready to assist Arjasa through promotional efforts and other forms of support to help the village grow sustainably.

While praising the cultural attractions managed by the village-owned enterprise (BUMDes), she noted that improvements are needed, particularly at the Hindu spiritual site Sendang Tirtha Amertha Rajasa.

Ni Luh stressed that successful tourism development requires collaboration between central government, provincial and local administrations.

Jember Regent Muhammad Fawait welcomed the deputy minister’s visit, calling it a sign of strong synergy between national and regional administrations and a new chapter for Jember’s tourism sector.

The regent explained that his administration is focused on developing thematic villages rather than designating every village as a tourist destination. Ni Luh’s visit concluded with a tour of several key sites, including the Arjasa Village Hall, Sendang Tirtha Amertha Rajasa, and the Caitra Mandiri waterpark. ***