Jakarta, 31 Oktober 2024 – The Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has expressed her deep gratitude for the unwavering support of State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in propelling Indonesia’s tourism sector towards new heights. Following a productive meeting with SOE Minister Erick Thohir at the Ministry of SOEs headquarters, Widi emphasized the crucial role of SOEs in the Ministry of Tourism’s (Kemenpar) ambitious plans for the future.
"We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to meet with Minister Thohir and discuss the collaborative efforts that have been undertaken by both ministries," stated Widi. "This meeting allows us to strategize and explore new avenues for cooperation in the next five years, building upon the strong foundation laid by our predecessors."
Widi highlighted the transformative impact of SOEs under Erick Thohir’s leadership, emphasizing their instrumental role in enhancing the quality of super priority tourism destinations (DPSPs). The revitalization of KEK Mandalika, Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, and the remarkable transformation of Borobudur Temple are testaments to the SOEs’ commitment to elevating the tourism experience in Indonesia.
"This collaboration is not limited to the existing DPSPs," Widi asserted. "We will continue to work closely with SOEs to expand this partnership to other tourist areas across the country. Our teams will be engaging in further technical discussions to ensure the seamless implementation of these plans."
The significant contributions of SOEs have instilled a sense of urgency within Kemenpar to further harmonize policies and accelerate the growth of Indonesia’s tourism sector. Widi revealed the ambitious target of attracting 14 million foreign tourists (wisman) by 2024, a goal that requires a concerted effort from all stakeholders. While the current number of wisman stands at 9.09 million, a positive 20.38 percent increase was recorded in the January-August 2024 period.
"We are committed to attracting high-quality tourists and will intensify our overseas promotional campaigns to achieve our target," Widi emphasized. "This requires a collaborative approach, and we are confident that through inter-ministerial cooperation, we can achieve our goals."
Widi stressed the critical need for a multi-pronged approach to address the challenges facing the tourism sector. "Accessibility, transportation, and affordable ticket prices are key factors that influence the travel decisions of both domestic and foreign tourists," she explained. "We must work together with other ministries and agencies to ensure that traveling within Indonesia is both convenient and cost-effective."
The Minister of Tourism’s meeting with Erick Thohir signifies a new era of collaboration and innovation in Indonesia’s tourism sector. With the unwavering support of SOEs and the Ministry of Tourism’s strategic vision, Indonesia is poised to become a leading destination for discerning travelers worldwide. The synergy between these two key players will undoubtedly contribute to the realization of Indonesia’s tourism potential, fostering economic growth and creating a positive impact on the lives of millions of Indonesians.
