Indonesia Unveils New Tourism Programs at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025
Table of Contents
- Indonesia Unveils New Tourism Programs at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025
- Exploring Indonesia’s New Tourism Initiatives at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025
- The Clean tourism Movement: A Step Towards sustainability
- Digitalization of Tourism 5.0: revolutionizing the Tourist Experience
- Special Interest Tourism: Catering to Diverse Traveler Needs
- Cross-Border Collaboration: The Special Border Treatment (SBT) initiative
- The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia
The Ministry of Tourism is set to showcase innovative Indonesian tourism programs at the ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025, taking place from January 15 to 17 in Johor bahru, Malaysia.This forum is a pivotal platform for Indonesia to introduce initiatives aimed at enhancing its tourism sector,according to Ni Made Ayu Marthini,the ministry’s deputy for marketing.
“The new programs include the clean tourism movement, digitalization of tourism or tourism 5.0, and the development of special interest tourism attractions,” Marthini stated in a recent proclamation. These initiatives are designed to complement existing programs like the tourism village project, ensuring quality and sustainable tourism growth.indonesia’s tourism sector has already seen notable success in 2024, with 4,303,773 tourist arrivals from Southeast Asian countries. “This ASEAN market is still very potential to be optimized,” Marthini emphasized. To further capitalize on this potential, the ministry is collaborating with the Indonesian Consulate General (KJRI) in Johor Bahru, the Johor State Government, and the Riau Islands Provincial Government to enhance connectivity and foster cross-regional tourism promotion.
Johor, Malaysia, shares close geographical and cultural ties with Indonesia’s Riau islands, making it a strategic partner for tourism development.“Therefore, we need to present tourism programs that can be beneficial for the peopel of Johor and the Riau Islands,” Marthini noted.
One of the key initiatives under discussion is the implementation of a special border treatment (SBT) for Johor residents traveling to the Riau Islands, and vice versa. Sigit Suryantoro Widiyanto, the Indonesian Consul General in Johor Bahru, explained, “Regarding this SBT plan, the Riau Islands Province Regional Tourism Promotion Agency and Tourism Johor are currently in the technical implementation discussion stage with tourism business actors in their respective regions.”
The Wonderful Indonesia Pavilion at ATF 2025 has already made significant strides, recording business-to-business transactions worth Rp41.1 billion (approximately US$2.5 million) on the event’s second day. This figure is expected to rise as the forum progresses.
Key Highlights of Indonesia’s Tourism Initiatives at ATF 2025
| Program | description |
|———————————-|———————————————————————————|
| Clean tourism Movement | Promotes eco-pleasant practices and sustainable tourism. |
| Digitalization of Tourism 5.0 | Leverages technology to enhance tourist experiences and operational efficiency. |
| Special Interest Tourism | Develops niche attractions to cater to diverse traveler interests. |
| Special Border Treatment (SBT) | Facilitates easier travel between Johor and the Riau Islands. |
Indonesia’s participation in ATF 2025 underscores its commitment to becoming a leading tourism destination in Southeast Asia. By focusing on sustainability, innovation, and regional collaboration, the contry aims to attract more visitors and boost its tourism economy.
For more insights into Indonesia’s tourism strategies, explore how the country is attracting more foreign tourists to Raja Ampat and the Clean Tourism Movement in eight pilot destinations.what are your thoughts on Indonesia’s new tourism initiatives? Share your views and join the conversation about the future of sustainable travel in Southeast Asia.
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Exploring Indonesia’s New Tourism Initiatives at ASEAN Tourism Forum 2025
At the recent ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2025 in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, Indonesia unveiled a series of innovative initiatives aimed at enhancing its tourism sector. Key programs such as the Clean Tourism Movement, Digitalization of Tourism 5.0, and Special Interest Tourism were highlighted by Ni Made Ayu Marthini, the Ministry of Tourism’s Deputy for Marketing. This interview with Dr. Ananda Putri, a renowned expert in sustainable tourism, delves into the importance of these initiatives and their potential impact on Southeast Asia’s tourism landscape.
The Clean tourism Movement: A Step Towards sustainability
Senior Editor: Dr. Putri,could you explain the importance of Indonesia’s Clean Tourism Movement and how it aligns with global sustainability goals?
Dr. Ananda Putri: Absolutely. The Clean Tourism Movement is a critical step towards reducing the environmental footprint of tourism in Indonesia. By promoting eco-amiable practices, such as waste reduction, energy efficiency, and conservation efforts, Indonesia is aligning itself with global sustainability frameworks like the UN Sustainable Development Goals. This initiative not only preserves natural resources but also enhances the appeal of Indonesia as a responsible tourism destination.
Digitalization of Tourism 5.0: revolutionizing the Tourist Experience
senior Editor: How dose the Digitalization of Tourism 5.0 initiative aim to transform the tourist experience in Indonesia?
Dr. Ananda Putri: Tourism 5.0 leverages advanced technologies like AI, IoT, and big data to create personalized and seamless experiences for tourists. as an example, digital platforms can provide real-time information on attractions, facilitate cashless transactions, and even offer virtual tours. This not only enhances convenience for travelers but also improves operational efficiency for tourism businesses. It’s a game-changer in how destinations engage with their visitors.
Special Interest Tourism: Catering to Diverse Traveler Needs
Senior editor: What potential do you see in Indonesia’s focus on Special Interest Tourism?
Dr. Ananda Putri: Special Interest Tourism is about catering to niche markets, such as adventure tourism, cultural tourism, or wellness tourism. Indonesia’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage make it an ideal destination for such initiatives.By developing tailored experiences, Indonesia can attract a wider range of tourists, from thrill-seekers to those looking for tranquil retreats. This diversification is key to building a resilient tourism sector.
Cross-Border Collaboration: The Special Border Treatment (SBT) initiative
senior Editor: The SBT plan between Johor and the Riau Islands aims to facilitate easier travel. How notable is this for regional tourism?
Dr. Ananda Putri: The SBT initiative is a strategic move to enhance connectivity between Johor and the Riau Islands.Given their geographical proximity and cultural ties, this collaboration can boost cross-border tourism significantly. Simplified travel procedures will encourage more visitors to explore both regions, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. It’s a win-win for both Indonesia and Malaysia.
The Future of Sustainable Tourism in Southeast Asia
Senior Editor: how do you see Indonesia’s initiatives influencing the broader ASEAN tourism landscape?
Dr. Ananda Putri: Indonesia’s focus on sustainability and innovation sets a benchmark for other ASEAN countries. By prioritizing eco-friendly practices, digital change, and regional collaboration, indonesia is paving the way for a more sustainable and inclusive tourism sector in Southeast Asia. These efforts not only attract tourists but also ensure long-term benefits for local communities and the environment.
For more insights on Indonesia’s tourism strategies, check out our coverage of the efforts to attract foreign tourists to Raja Ampat and the Clean Tourism Movement in pilot destinations.
