Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Sandiaga Uno outlines plans to establish 6,000 tourism villages in Indonesia throughout 2024, targeting significant contributions to economic development and job creation.
Tourism and Creative Economy Minister Bapak Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has set an ambitious target to establish up to 6,000 tourism villages across Indonesia in 2024, with the aim of bolstering national economic growth. Pak Uno articulated this vision following a public lecture on Blue Ocean Strategy Fellowship (BOSF) in Sentul, Bogor, West Java, on 18 February 2024, emphasising the pivotal role of tourism in driving economic recovery and job creation.
Out of the more than 80 thousand villages scattered throughout Indonesia, Pak Uno highlighted that approximately 7,500 possess untapped tourism potential. He underscored the imperative to harness this potential by targeting to develop 80 percent of these villages, equating to around 6,000 tourism destinations. The minister emphasised the significant economic contribution expected from these villages, projecting a potential 4.5 percent increase in the national gross domestic product (GDP).
Elaborating on the anticipated impact, Pak Uno emphasised that the establishment of 6,000 tourism villages would generate approximately 4.4 million jobs within the creative economy sector. He underscored the pivotal role of rural innovation and creativity in driving economic opportunities, particularly among the younger generation residing in these villages.
The decision to prioritize the development of tourism villages stems from the notable post-pandemic resurgence in tourism activities, evidenced by a 30 percent increase in visits to such destinations. Notably, Indonesia boasts two globally recognized tourism villages—Nglanggeran Tourism Village in Yogyakarta and Panglipuran Tourism Village in Bali—setting benchmarks for excellence in rural tourism.
Minister Uno affirmed the government’s commitment to leveraging and replicating such success stories, aiming to propel Indonesia’s tourism sector to greater heights. By fostering the growth of tourism villages nationwide, the government aims to stimulate economic recovery, empower local communities, and showcase Indonesia’s rich cultural and natural heritage on the global stage.
Source: Antara News
