Bogor Botanical Garden Wins Prestigious ASEAN Tourism Award

RRI.CO.ID, Bogor - The historic Bogor Botanical Garden has cemented its status as a regional leader in sustainable travel after securing a prestigious accolade at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026. The site has emerged as the definitive model for urban conservation tourism across Southeast Asia.

The recognition was bestowed upon PT Mitra Natura Raya (MNR), the tourism management partner that has operated alongside the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) since 2020. This strategic partnership was honored with the ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award in the Urban Category during the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2026, held in Cebu, Philippines, on January 30, 2026.

As reported by Antara, the award underscores the garden's ability to maintain an 87-hectare green lung amidst a bustling city center while managing a vast collection of over 12,000 plant specimens.

Marga Anggrianto, Director of PT Mitra Natura Raya, viewed the award as a validation of the company's long-term environmental mission. “This award is an appreciation for all parties who have worked hard to maintain the balance between the functions of environmental conservation and tourism. We are committed to continuing to improve the quality of service in accordance with international standards,” remarked Marga in Bogor on Wednesday, February 4, 2026.

The selection process involved a rigorous curation of environmental management practices, regional sustainability, and community engagement. As an instrument for standardizing tourism within the ASEAN bloc, the awards prioritize destinations that exhibit inclusivity and high service quality while remaining environmentally responsible.

The success of the Bogor Botanical Garden is seen as a significant boost to Indonesia’s regional image, highlighting the country's prowess in research-based "green tourism."

Founded in 1817, the oldest botanical garden in Southeast Asia has undergone a sophisticated transformation from a colonial-era research site into a modern icon of educational tourism. Today, it serves as a primary reference point for urban green management in ASEAN, proving that botanical research and public utility can coexist within a sustainable framework. ***