Government Promotes Tourism Transformation for Global Destination Competition

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Vice Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, affirmed that the transformation towards sustainable tourism is no longer just a global trend, but a strategic necessity for Indonesia to remain competitive amidst global destination competition.

"In line with this, the Ministry of Tourism viewed sustainable tourism as the main foundation for Indonesia's future tourism development. This approach aligns with the direction of national development policies and the dynamics of global tourism," Ni Luh conveyed while opening the online STDev Circle Forum themed "Sustainable Tourism Movements and Actions" on Wednesday, 25 February 2026.

According to her, the global travel landscape has changed significantly. Tourists are now increasingly aware of environmental issues, cultural preservation, and socio-economic impacts before choosing a destination.

To that end, the Ministry of Tourism is promoting five flagship programs to reinforce the national ecosystem: Improving Travel Safety, Tourism Villages, Quality Tourism, Events by Indonesia, and Tourism 5.0. These five programs are designed to create an ecosystem that is resilient, inclusive, adaptable to technology, and oriented towards a more meaningful tourist experience.

The tourism sector's achievements throughout 2025 also demonstrate that policy direction is on the right track. Foreign tourist arrivals reached 15.39 million, representing a 10.80 percent increase.

Meanwhile, domestic tourist trips reached 1.20 billion, representing a 17.55 percent increase. This growth reflects market optimism and confidence in Indonesia's continuously transforming tourism.

According to a release received by RRI Voice of Indonesia on Thursday, 26 February 2026, International recognition also strengthens Indonesia's position as a highly regarded destination. Pemuteran Tourism Village and Osing Kemiren Tourism Village received awards from UN Tourism.

Furthermore, 33 hotels and resorts in Indonesia received MICHELIN Keys recognition, signifying improved service quality and a global-standard stay experience.

"In 2026, we are targeting strengthened performance focused on quality and competitiveness. The target for foreign tourist arrivals is projected to be in the range of 16.0 to 17.6 million," said the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

He emphasized that these achievements can only be achieved through strong collaboration among stakeholders. The STDev Circle Forum is considered strategic because it brings together various supporting elements from the five flagship programs, ranging from policy makers, business actors, academics, communities, to the younger generation.

The forum also discussed strengthening green financing, technological innovation, community movements, and the contribution of universities to building an integrated, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Cross-sector synergy is key to ensuring that tourism growth goes hand in hand with environmental conservation and improving community welfare.

"I hope this forum will be the starting point for concrete collaboration and concrete actions to strengthen an inclusive, equitable, and sustainable tourism ecosystem in Indonesia," he said.

The STDev Circle forum was moderated by Frans Teguh, Expert Staff for Sustainable Development and Conservation at the Ministry of Tourism.