Oleh: Teguh Anantawikrama
Founder and Chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Investor Club and Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce
Tourism has always been more than a leisure industry for Indonesia. It is a national identity, a cultural expression, and when governed with vision, a catalyst for inclusive economic growth.
Today, as Indonesia steps into a new chapter of competitiveness, sustainability, and global relevance, we must recognize the profound transformation taking place in our tourism sector. The government’s 2025–2029 roadmap makes one thing clear: the old model of mass tourism is no longer enough. Volume alone cannot guarantee prosperity.
What Indonesia needs is Quality Tourism—tourism that enriches the visitor, empowers the community, and protects the environment. This shift is not optional; it is existential.
A New Era of Competitive and Sustainable Tourism
Indonesia’s climb to rank 22 in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index is not a mere statistic; it is proof that our nation is being recognized for doing things differently. Achievements such as UN Tourism’s Best Tourism Village awards and our leadership in ASEAN sustainable hospitality show that global acknowledgment follows where genuine sustainability is practiced.
Quality Tourism is grounded in three pillars:
- Cultural authenticity: travel that creates real connection between visitor and community.
- Environmental responsibility: tourism that regenerates rather than depletes.
- High-value experiences: products that elevate Indonesia’s global brand.
This is how tourism becomes a driver of dignity, not just revenue.
Tourism for All: Empowering Local Communities
Our villages, such as Bilebante and Pela, exemplify how community-based tourism can thrive. By integrating local wisdom with modern hospitality standards, these destinations offer immersive experiences that mass tourism cannot replicate.
To sustain this momentum, collaboration across all sectors is vital. The synergy between the government, private investors, and local communities will determine whether Indonesia can truly rise as a global beacon of sustainable prosperity. We must ensure that every stakeholder, from the artisan in a remote village to the policy-maker in Jakarta, shares this unified vision.