In an effort to boost domestic tourism and support the economic growth of Indonesia, the government recently launched the “Proud Tourism in Indonesia” (BBWI) program. With a firm commitment to this initiative, the Ministry of Transportation (Kemenhub) has pledged to enhance transportation infrastructure in various domestic tourist destinations.
During the grand opening ceremony of the highly anticipated “Only in Indonesia Travel Fair” (DIATF) 2023 held in Jakarta on Friday (19/5/2023), Minister of Transportation Budi Karya Sumadi shared his vision of connecting and developing the nation’s diverse tourist hotspots.
He emphasized the significance of this endeavor not only in terms of generating revenue for the country but also for the local governments and communities involved.
Underpinning this nationwide effort is the guidance of President Joko Widodo, who stressed the importance of constructing infrastructure that truly serves the people’s needs.
Minister Budi Karya reiterated the President’s directive, stating, “The President has consistently emphasized the importance of delivering useful infrastructure to our communities. Tourism is among the key sectors that demand our strong support. Hence, collaboration between ministries and the private sector is crucial to realizing our goals.”
To materialize this vision, substantial efforts have already been made in the development of transportation infrastructure in Indonesia’s most prominent tourist destinations. The Super Priority Tourism Destination, known as 5 New Bali, has witnessed the implementation of numerous transformative projects.
Among these are the establishment of 13 ferry terminals in the breathtaking Lake Toba region, the creation of the Yogyakarta International Airport-Kulonprogo railway line, and the construction of the Solo Balapan-Adi Soemarmo Airport railway line, significantly improving accessibility and connectivity.
In addition to these endeavors, the Ministry of Transportation has proactively invested in the enhancement of essential transportation hubs across the archipelago. Notable achievements include the construction of the state-of-the-art Gili Trawangan Port, the upgrade of facilities at the bustling Likupang Port, and the development of tourism infrastructure in the awe-inspiring Labuan Bajo region.
During the event, Deputy Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Angela Tanoesoedibjo highlighted the ambitious targets set for domestic and international tourist arrivals. She expressed her optimism in surpassing previous records, aiming for a substantial increase in domestic tourist numbers, ranging from 1.2 to 1.4 billion individuals.
Meanwhile, the objective for international tourist arrivals in Indonesia stands at an impressive 8.5 million visitors. The potential economic impact of these tourism endeavors is enormous, with projected revenue reaching a staggering Rp3,281 trillion throughout the year 2023.
Angela Tanoesoedibjo called for a united effort to promote and showcase the unparalleled beauty of Indonesia’s diverse destinations, saying, “We have a profound sense of optimism in achieving our targets. Moving forward, we hope to foster even stronger collaborations to elevate Indonesian tourism to new heights, captivating the hearts and minds of travelers worldwide.”
The collective dedication of the government, ministries, and private sector stakeholders underscores a shared commitment to harnessing the potential of Indonesia’s tourism industry.
Through comprehensive infrastructure development, strategic partnerships, and innovative initiatives, the nation aims to position itself as a premier destination for both domestic and international tourists, offering unforgettable experiences that celebrate the rich cultural heritage and natural wonders of the Indonesian Nusantara.