RR.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa emphasized that sustainable tourism transformation is not merely a global trend but a strategic necessity for Indonesia to remain competitive in the global tourism industry.

"The Ministry of Tourism views sustainable tourism as key to Indonesia's future tourism development, aligning with national development policies and global tourism trends," said Deputy Minister Ni Luh at the STDev Circle Forum Wed, on nesday, February 25, 2026, as reported by the ministry official website.

According to Puspa, the global travel landscape has changed significantly. Tourists are increasingly considering environmental issues, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic impacts when choosing a destination.

The Ministry is promoting five flagship programs to strengthen the national ecosystem: improving travel safety, tourism villages, quality tourism, events by Indonesia, and tourism 5.0. These programs are designed to create a resilient, inclusive ecosystem that is adaptable to technology and oriented toward a more meaningful tourist experience.

The tourism sector's achievements throughout 2025 demonstrate the effectiveness of current policy direction. Foreign tourist arrivals reached 15.39 million, marking a 10.80 percent increase. Meanwhile, domestic tourist trips reached 1.2 billion, a 17.55 percent increase. This growth reflects optimism and confidence in the continuously evolving Indonesian tourism market.

International recognition further solidifies Indonesia's position as a highly regarded destination. Pemuteran and Osing Kemiren Tourism Villages received awards from the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Furthermore, 33 Indonesian hotels and resorts received MICHELIN Keys recognition, signifying improved service quality and a stay experience that meets global standards.

"In 2026, our goal is to strengthen our performance with a focus on quality and competitiveness. We project that the number of foreign tourist arrivals will be between 16.0 and 17.6 million," said the Deputy Minister of Tourism.

She emphasized that these goals can only be met through strong collaboration among stakeholders. The STDev Circle Forum is considered strategic because it unites various elements that support the five flagship programs, including policymakers, business leaders, academics, community members, and young people.

The forum also discussed ways to strengthen green financing, technological innovation, community movements, and universities' contributions to building an integrated, sustainable tourism ecosystem. Cross-sector synergy is essential for ensuring that tourism growth goes hand in hand with environmental conservation and improving community welfare.

"I hope this forum leads to action that strengthens inclusive, equitable, and sustainable tourism in Indonesia," she said. ***