Indonesia is highlighting its cultural heritage and wellness traditions through the “Wonderful Indonesia Wellness 2025” festival, which runs throughout November in Solo, Central Java, and Yogyakarta. The event is designed to position the country as a global destination for authentic wellness tourism rooted in local wisdom and traditional practices.
Minister of Tourism Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said the program goes beyond promoting wellness tourism. It also celebrates Indonesia’s long-standing traditions and cultural richness.
“Tonight is a very special moment. A night where we are not only witnessing the launch of a program but also celebrating Indonesia’s local wisdom and wellness traditions that have lived and grown with our communities,” said the Minister in her official statement.
As the first edition of its kind, “Wonderful Indonesia Wellness” serves as an umbrella initiative integrating two major regional festivals: the Royal Surakarta Wellness Festival organized by the Surakarta Palace and the Jogja Cultural Wellness Festival held by the Yogyakarta Regional Tourism Promotion Board. Together, they merge traditional Javanese heritage with the essence of Indonesia’s wellness philosophy.
The Royal Surakarta Wellness Festival features signature activities such as Javanese Wisdom Immersion, Gending for Therapy, Royal Dance Symphony, A Holy Journey, and Javanese Secret Recipe. Each program reflects the depth of Javanese culture and the healing philosophy embedded in local traditions.
Read also: Bali Online Tourist Drivers Now Limited to Local Residents Only
Meanwhile, the Jogja Cultural Wellness Festival introduces visitors to experiences like Healthy Food and Herbals, Eco-Friendly Living, Spiritual Wellness and Energy Healing, Natural Beauty, Family and Inner Child, and Harmony in Wellness. These sessions are crafted to connect participants with nature, balance, and cultural harmony.
“Our highest appreciation goes to the Surakarta Hadiningrat Palace and the Yogyakarta Regional Tourism Promotion Board for this extraordinary collaboration. Without such beautiful synergy, this historic moment would not have been possible,” said Minister Widiyanti. She expressed hope that the festival would attract both domestic and international travelers eager to experience Indonesia’s unique approach to wellness. “With the presence of ‘Wonderful Indonesia Wellness’, we hope more tourists from across the country and abroad will come to experience Indonesia’s unique wellness culture,” she added.
Deputy for Tourism Products and Event Management at the Ministry of Tourism, Vinsensius Jemadu, said the ministry aims to attract around 5,000 visitors, emphasizing that wellness tourism is part of a growing special-interest travel trend. He also highlighted the potential economic ripple effect of the event. “In addition, we also expect the total economic impact on local MSMEs to reach between Rp8.5 billion and Rp9 billion in transactions,” Vinsensius stated.
Through this festival, Indonesia seeks not only to showcase its cultural legacy but also to strengthen its position as a top wellness destination. By merging traditional wisdom with modern tourism, “Wonderful Indonesia Wellness 2025” embodies the nation’s vision of holistic well-being and sustainable cultural tourism.
