As Indonesia embraces its new government, newly appointed ministers are already getting to work outlining their plans for the next term.
The newly appointed Minister for Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, has been speaking to the press to hear about her plans to elevate travel and tourism in Indonesia to the next level.
Sworn in as a minister on Monday, 21st October, Wardhana has committed to engaging with all stakeholders when it comes to designing the tourism industry of the future.
Speaking to reporters in Jakarta, she explained, “We first want to hear from all stakeholders, ministries, and tourism experts to design our tourism transformation.”
Minister Wardhana noted that she would be focusing on leveling up human resource infrastructure and helping to create more jobs in the tourism sector, especially for the younger generations.
Minister Wardhana explained, “I want to improve human resources in priority destinations by establishing excellent schools and hopefully improving the quality of human resources in the area so that they can get decent jobs.”
As an experienced businesswoman, innovator, and philanthropist, Wardhana is keen to bring sustainable growth to Indonesia’s tourism sector, especially in top destinations like Bali and the five super-priority destinations.
She told the press, “I am optimistic that with a strong foundation and clear strategic steps, I am able to accelerate the growth of the tourism sector as a driving force for an inclusive, sustainable, and global economy. We can do it because Indonesia is a paradise on earth.”
Minister Wardhana will be in her post until 2029 and will be supported by the newly appointed Deputy Minister for Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa.
With the new government settling into position, the Chairman of the Bali Restaurants and Hotel Association, Tjokorda Oka Artha Ardana Sukawati, also known as Cok Ace, attended a press conference on the future of tourism.
He praised new President Prabowo Subianto for electing Balinese Ni Luh Enik Ernawati, also known as Ni Luh Puspa, into the role of Deputy Minister for Tourism.
Cok Ace, who has also served as the Deputy Governor of Bali, called for the new Tourism Ministers to proceed with care and ensure that there is always an open dialogue about Bali tourism for all stakeholders, including tourists.
Cok Ace explained, “What is important is that they can improve, advance, and develop tours compressively and holistically, so they must really understand tourism itself.”
Bali is at a tipping point in terms of tourism. With a mass tourism model rolled out across much of the central south of the island, localized tourism can be seen in top resorts.
As rapid tourism development continues to be seen across already popular destinations and emerging hotspots, it seems all tourism stakeholders are clear that changes need to be made.
Ministers and local politicians had previously promised that a new moratorium would be introduced in Bali by the end of October.
The policy would see a ban on a range of new tourism developments, including hotels and resorts, for up to two years.
Ministers had been clear that this policy would benefit tourists, ensuring a higher quality of facilities for all, and that it would benefit businesses, as well as local communities and the landscape.
However, no specific date has been announced, and with the new government still setting into their posts, there could be delays.
The outgoing tourism minister, Sandiaga Uno, who has been praised for reviving Bali tourism after the devastating impacts of the pandemic, left a heartfelt message for the Bali community this weekend.
He also called for sustainable tourism development in the province as a matter of urgency, noting, “Our focus is to develop North Bali with several innovations, but we must ensure that Sanur and South Bali become quality tourism destinations committed to sustainability; I will entrust it to the tourism and creative economy people in Bali.”
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