TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Unlocking Indonesia’s tourism potential with sustainability
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,504 islands, straddling the equator and boasting a rich tapestry of unique cultures and ethnic groups. Yet, despite this incredible diversity, the full potential of Indonesia’s tourism sector remains untapped.
Change text size
Gift Premium Articles
to Anyone
Share the best of The Jakarta Post with friends, family, or colleagues. As a subscriber, you can gift 3 to 5 articles each month that anyone can read—no subscription needed!
By: George Hendrata
CEO of tiket.com
Indonesia is a vast archipelago of 17,504 islands, straddling the equator and boasting a rich tapestry of unique cultures and ethnic groups. Yet, despite this incredible diversity, the full potential of Indonesia’s tourism sector remains untapped. According to the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, tourism has contributed less than 4 percent to the nation’s GDP in recent years, falling short of the projected 4.1 percent.
On a more encouraging note, domestic tourism is on the rise. In fact, domestic visits increased by 21 percent compared to the previous year. This surge signals a growing interest in local destinations among Indonesians. Despite this positive momentum, many Indonesian travelers still prefer international destinations. To reverse this trend, collaborative efforts from various stakeholders are needed to build confidence in exploring local destinations and to address the challenges travelers face when exploring within Indonesia.
Bali and Labuan Bajo (Flores Island) have become synonymous with luxury travel, drawing both local and international tourists. Yet, beyond these popular destinations lies an archipelago teeming with untapped tourism opportunities, places that could drive economic growth, support local communities, and most importantly, engage Indonesia’s youth. The question is, how do we harness this potential to encourage more Indonesians to explore their own country?
The answer lies in collaboration. As the first and leading online travel agency (OTA) in Indonesia, tiket.com is committed to play a significant role in this effort. Through partnerships with local communities and government, we are working to channel the country’s tourism potential into meaningful, sustainable growth.
One such initiative is Jagoan Pariwisata, an empowerment program we developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. This initiative empowers local tourism champions to preserve their cultural heritage while promoting community-based tourism. By offering mentorship and resources, Jagoan Pariwisata equips tourism entrepreneurs in villages with the tools they need to build competitive, sustainable businesses.
Since its launch in 2022, Jagoan Pariwisata has empowered over 158 micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) across 13 tourist villages. By improving human resources in these regions, tiket.com aims to nurture top-tier talent capable of driving the future of Indonesia’s tourism industry. This program offers a blueprint for other agencies and sectors looking to make a meaningful impact on tourism at a grassroots level.
Indonesia is home to an incredible array of natural wonders and cultural experiences that stretch far beyond the well-known hubs of Bali and Labuan Bajo. Through initiatives like Jagoan Pariwisata, tiket.com is helping to unlock the potential, promote sustainable tourism, and support local businesses to ensure long-term growth.
To further strengthen our commitment to sustainability, this year we launched tiket Green, an initiative that encourages environmentally conscious travel and promotes sustainable accommodations across Indonesia and beyond. Through tiket Green, we aim to ensure that tourism leaves a positive impact on both the environment and local communities.
The initiative places a strong emphasis on assessing accommodations for their environmental practices, such as water and energy usage, waste management, and overall ecological impact. By partnering with accommodation businesses committed to become more eco-friendly, tiket Green aims to contribute to the growth of sustainable tourism in Indonesia. The broader goal is to help raise awareness among travelers about the importance of supporting eco-conscious accommodations and leaving minimal footprints behind.
In showcasing sustainable travel options, tiket Green also provides travelers with clear, accessible information on choosing accommodations that have a lower impact on the environment. By spotlighting lodgings committed to sustainability, we aim to inspire travelers to make more informed, responsible decisions. This creates a ripple effect that ultimately benefits local communities, ecosystems, and the tourism industry at large.
As we embrace the spirit of gotong royong, our cultural value of mutual cooperation, tiket.com remains committed to support both local communities and the environment. Our vision is clear: to contribute to sustainable growth in Indonesia’s tourism sector, one immersive and meaningful experience at a time.
So next time you plan your holiday, consider discovering the unexplored treasures of Indonesia. Whether it’s the pristine beaches of Sumatera, the cultural richness of Sumba, or the scenic vistas of Papua, there’s an adventure waiting for every traveler. Choose tiket Green for a journey that leaves a lasting impact, not only on you but also the communities and environments you visit.
Together, we can make tourism a force for good, for the nation and for the world.
In collaboration with Tiket.com
