To Increase Tourist Numbers, Indonesia Launches the “Proud of Tourism in Indonesia” (BBWI) Program

Minister Sandiaga Uno of Tourism and Creative Economy has introduced an ambitious initiative aimed at promoting Indonesian products and tourism. The program, titled “Proud of Indonesian Products” or Bangga Buatan Indonesia (BBI) and “Proud of Tourism in Indonesia” or Bangga Berwisata di Indonesia (BBWI) 2024, seeks to boost domestic tourism across the nation’s destinations.

During the launch event held in Central Jakarta, Minister Sandiaga highlighted the government’s significant target for domestic tourist numbers in 2024, aiming for 1.25-1.5 billion movements. This projection closely aligns with the previous year’s target, indicating a consistent focus on expanding domestic tourism.

Notably, popular destinations such as Bali and Lake Toba in North Sumatra have attracted a considerable portion of domestic tourists, with 13 percent of total domestic travelers choosing these locations. This trend underscores the importance of promoting diverse tourist spots within Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Kemenparekraf is also looking forward with optimism to the year 2024, setting its sights on a target of 14.3 million foreign tourist arrivals, a significant increase from the previous year’s achievement which surpassed the set target of 8.5 million.

“With diligent work, collective effort, and continued prayers, we believe we can surpass the 14.3 million target and even reach the ambitious goal of 17 million foreign tourist arrivals in 2024,” Sandiaga stated.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reported a remarkable increase in foreign tourist arrivals throughout 2023, reaching 11.6 million visits. This marked a significant surge compared to the previous year’s figures, highlighting a growing interest in Indonesia as a tourist destination.

Furthermore, beyond simply increasing tourist numbers, the government emphasizes the economic impact of tourism through the purchase of local products. Minister Sandiaga underscores the role of domestic tourists in supporting local businesses and stimulating economic growth.

The BBI initiative, launched in 2020, has already made significant strides in bolstering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) across the country. The number of MSMEs has surged to 22.9 million units, marking a substantial increase from previous years.

Looking ahead, the government aims to further drive economic growth through domestic spending, targeting a growth rate of 1.67-1.71 percent with a minimum spending threshold of Rp 400 trillion. This strategy underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing domestic products and stimulating economic activity within the country.

Minister Sandiaga encourages local governments to actively participate in the BBI and BBWI initiatives by organizing events and activities that celebrate local culture and promote tourism. These efforts aim to create a vibrant and dynamic tourism landscape that benefits communities nationwide.