Bukittinggi has earned regional recognition for something often taken for granted. Cleanliness. The city in West Sumatra was named one of ASEAN’s Clean Tourist Cities at the ASEAN Tourism Awards 2026, placing it among the top destinations in the region for sustainable and well managed tourism.
The award, officially known as The 5th ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award, was presented during the ASEAN Tourism Forum in Cebu, the Philippines, on Friday (30/1/2026). Bukittinggi was one of five destinations from Indonesia to receive the honor, alongside Malang City, Surakarta City, Gianyar Regency, and Tomohon City.
Mayor Ramlan Nurmatias welcomed the recognition and credited it to collective effort. “Alhamdulillah, the city of Bukittinggi has successfully won the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award. This is the result of the collective efforts of the entire community, the government, tourism businesses, and all parties who continue to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of our city.”
His statement, quoted from the official website of the Bukittinggi City Government on Monday (2/2/2026), underlined that the award is not an end point. According to Ramlan, the recognition serves as motivation for the city administration to further improve the quality of tourism destination management and to embed cleanliness as a daily culture. This approach, he said, is essential to strengthening Bukittinggi’s position as a leading tourism destination in the ASEAN region.
The ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award is based on a comprehensive evaluation process. Ramlan explained that the assessment covers cleanliness and waste management, sanitation standards, the arrangement of public spaces, environmental sustainability, as well as policy support and community involvement. These areas, he said, have long been central priorities in the development of Bukittinggi’s tourism sector.
“For that reason, let us continue to raise awareness in maintaining the environment, cleanliness, and comfort of the city. Bukittinggi is clean, beautiful, and world class,” he said.
Known as one of West Sumatra’s tourism cities, Bukittinggi offers more than tidy streets and well maintained public spaces. The city is home to a wide variety of attractions that draw visitors throughout the year. Natural scenery, local cuisine, cultural experiences, and historical sites all form part of its appeal.
Read also: Bali Moves Quickly on Waste Issue Following Prabowo’s Remarks
Jam Gadang remains a central landmark, surrounded by lively areas such as Pasa Ateh, Pasa Bawah, and Pasa Lereng, which are popular with visitors searching for local food. Nearby, the Bung Hatta Birthplace Museum, located not far from the Janjang 40 area, attracts those interested in Indonesian history.
For travelers who prefer nature, Bukittinggi offers green and scenic landscapes, including the Tabiang Takuruang area. Combined with its cool climate, the city provides an environment that encourages visitors to stay longer and explore at a relaxed pace.
With regional recognition now in hand, Bukittinggi’s challenge moving forward is to maintain the standards that earned the award. Cleanliness, community involvement, and sustainable management remain central to ensuring the city continues to stand out as a tourism destination at the ASEAN level.
