Simarasok Tourism Village Reaches Top 15 in WIA 2026

RRI.CO.ID, Lubuk Basung - Simarasok Tourism Village, located in Nagari Simarasok, Baso District, Agam Regency, West Sumatra, has successfully advanced to the top 15 in the national Wonderful Indonesia Award (WIA) 2026 competition.

The announcement was officially released by organizers on Monday evening, September 7, 2026, selecting Simarasok from an initial pool of 30 candidate tourism villages across Indonesia. Local authorities praised the achievement as proof that the village’s natural scenery, local culture, creative economy, and community hospitality can excel at the national level.

In preparation for upcoming field visitations scheduled between September and October 2026, the Agam Tourism, Youth, and Sports Agency is coordinating an inter-agency task force, including public works, environmental, agricultural, cooperative, and communications departments, to verify field indicators.

The jury from the Ministry of Tourism will evaluate candidates across 11 key criteria: institutional management, attractions, environmental protection, local economy, community involvement, amenities, accessibility, homestays, strategic partnerships, and digital adoption.

Regional tourism officials expressed optimism that Simarasok’s untouched natural landscape and commitment to preserving Minangkabau cultural heritage will secure top honors during final rankings.

Head of the Agam Tourism, Youth, and Sports Agency Kasman Zaini highlighted the significance of entering the final stages of the national award.

"Out of 30 tourism villages across Indonesia, Simarasok Tourism Village has made it into the top 15, this achievement is a point of pride for West Sumatra and Agam Regency, demonstrating that Simarasok's natural potential, local culture, creative economy, and community hospitality can shine on the national stage," Kasman said in Lubuk Basung on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, as quoted by Antara.

He outlined the operational preparations underway ahead of the Ministry of Tourism's field verification. The field visitations by the Ministry of Tourism jury will run from September to October 2026 to verify data, evaluate local uniqueness, and assess program implementation, our primary advantage in Simarasok is its authenticity, pristine environment, preserved local wisdom, and natural charm.

" We are preparing solid physical evidence for every assessment indicator alongside cross-departmental teams to ensure Simarasok emerges as the ultimate winner," Zaini explained. ***