Southeast Asia's largest economy wants to turn tourism into leading sector

This will be achieved through the Tourism 5.0 development strategy, focusing on key pillars such as infrastructure, investment, human resources, and promotion, she said.

Widiyanti stated that the immediate task for tourism leadership is to work with experts, stakeholders, and the private sector, along with internal staff, to identify current challenges and trends.

She highlighted that the key priority now is to discuss and build a strategy for a robust and sustainable tourism transformation.

The minister stressed that the use of technology and digitization, particularly the application of artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced digital technologies, is critical to promoting tourism in the tourism 5.0 phase.

She also revealed plans to collaborate with leading global companies to develop human resources, focusing on upskilling tourism workers. Additionally, Indonesia will establish a Quality Tourism Fund to enhance event organization, aiming to attract both domestic and international visitors.

Budijanto Ardiansyah, Vice Chairman of the Indonesian Association of Travel Agencies and Tour Operators, noted that the immediate priority of the tourism sector is to achieve the goal of 14 million international visitors by 2024. The ministry must focus on extensive promotional campaigns targeting potential markets.

The vice chairman also expressed hope that the government will collaborate with local travel companies in international tourism marketing efforts.

Indonesia, Southeast Asia's largest economy, welcomed 9.1 million foreign tourists in the first eight months of this year, marking a 20% increase year-on-year, according to official data.