Minister Appreciates Tourism Professionals Through "Wonderful Indonesia Awards"

RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana has launched the "Wonderful Indonesia Awards" program again as a platform to appreciate tourism professionals for their dedication, synergy, and contributions in advancing Indonesian tourism.

Minister Widiyanti, in her speech at the "Virtual Kick-off Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2026" on Tuesday April 14, 2026, stated that this event, now in its second year, serves as the highest form of recognition for practitioners, managers, and stakeholders who have made significant contributions to the transformation of Indonesian tourism.

"The Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2026 is not just a ceremony but an implementation program to raise standards and ensure the development of Indonesia's tourism with global competitiveness," she said.

The Wonderful Indonesia Awards are held to maintain the direction of Indonesian tourism, which must continue to grow into a sector that is dignified, sustainable, and has a tangible impact.

The Minister emphasized five main focuses that will become the new standards for Indonesian tourism. Namely, the quality of destinations, the quality of human resource services, the quality of products and attractions, environmental sustainability, impactful events.

"Tourism development cannot proceed on its own. Solid collaboration is required between the central government, regional governments, the industry, and strategic partners. Therefore, I invite all regional governments and private partners to make the Wonderful Indonesia Awards a part of the implementation to improve standards, strengthen implementation, and ensure the development of Indonesian tourism," she said.

Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2026 carries the theme "Harmony of the Archipelago for Quality and Sustainable Tourism." This theme was chosen as a commitment to present tourism that is not only excellent in quality but also in harmony with environmental and cultural preservation.

This year, the Wonderful Indonesia Awards presents 11 award categories designed to encourage best practices in the industry. Starting from the governance of tourist villages to inspirational leadership. The categories include: Best Tourist Village, Best Tourism Village, Sustainable Restaurant, Best Co-branding Partner Collaboration, Best Tourism Partner 2026, Best Tourism Content Creator, Inspirational Tourism Leader, 2026 Tourism Advocate, Best Tourism Village Partner Collaboration, 2026 Green Economy Network, Key Figures in the MICE Industry.