Following on from Indonesia’s G20 Presidency in 2022 and the ASEAN Chairmanship in 2023, Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has reiterated his nation’s commitment to sustainable and inclusive growth in the tourism sector, aligned with green development and in support of the blue economy.
Speaking at last month’s AVPN Global event held in Abu Dhabi, UAE, the minister outlined his plan for the months ahead. “Through a knowledge-based economy, green and blue economy, as well as an inclusive and sustainable economy, Indonesia will be able to unlock its great potential as a global tourism destination,” said Uno in an official statement delivered at the event.
Uno pointed to a number of landmark policies which are helping to realise this potential and are indicative of Indonesia’s commitment to safe, sustainable travel. This included the Cleanliness, Health, Safety and Environment (CHSE) programme; the Indonesian Tourism Village Awards (ADWI); carbon footprint calculation infrastructure; and waste handling assistance and guidance for tourism sector actors.
He continued by drawing attention to the five super priority tourist destinations programme, which is supporting tourism in locations nationwide and involving a wider pool of talent in national tourism development. Uno also added that Indonesia has special economic zones for tourism that are spread nationwide, presenting various investment opportunities in accommodation and wellness tourism.
Earlier in April, the Minister made similar, high-profile declarations during sustainability week at the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), held at the UN Headquarters in New York. “Our presence in the forum is expected to bolster Indonesia’s position as a tourism destination [that is conscious of] climate change issues and other issues related to welfare and sustainable development goals,” said Uno during the high-level thematic event on tourism.
During the event, Uno noted that Indonesia has become synonymous with a global post-pandemic transformation of the tourism landscape. Focusing on regenerative tourism initiatives and efforts to reduce carbon emissions through tourism, he pointed to carbon emissions offsetting, planting of mangrove trees at tourist destinations, reef restoration, and activities to address waste, food loss and food waste issues.
Before the UN General Assembly, the minister stressed his determination to portray Indonesia as an adventurous destination that offers unique experiences to visitors based around culture and nature. Looking to the future, he also confirmed that the nation’s new capital city – Nusantara – will be developed as a premier international tourism destination.
