Tourism Development in Indonesia

Tourism in Indonesia

Tourism in Indonesia is being developed through two main programs, covering tourism and tourism products. There are five supporting programs, namely' control of environmental pollution, education, training and tourism guidance; tourism research and development; tourism infrastructure development; and the supervision and development of arts and culture.

The target for tourism set in Repelita VI is 6.5 million foreign tourists with US$9 billion in foreign exchange. Meanwhile 84.2 million domestic tourists are expected to spend nine (9) trillion rupiahs. Through various activities, tourism is expected to generate 900.000 new job opportunities.

OVERSEAS TOURIST PROMOTION

Tourist promotion campaigns have been staged through Indonesia's Seven Tourism Promotion Centers (P3I) abroad, namely in Frankfurt, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, London and Taipei. Since 1989 the Indonesia Tourism Promotion Agency (BPPI) developed new markets and improved promotion programs.

BPPI promotion efforts both at home and abroad was financed by 20% of the development tax revenue in ten tourist destinations, namely: North Sumatra, the Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, the Yogyakarta, East Java, Bali, North Sulawesi, and South Sulawesi. However, due the protracted monetary crisis which hit Indonesia the fund collected from the ten tourist destinations was only sufficient for BPPI operational cost until August 1997. To overcome this problem various marketing’s efforts had been conducted in Singapore, Australia, Japan, Taiwan, Germany, America, England, the Netherlands, Austria, and Switzerland.

In fiscal year 1997/98, an integrated promotion program was designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness, of marketing by reexamining the role and responsibility of agencies involved in overseas tourism marketing while utilizing all related components including Indonesian delegations abroad as well as students and the foreign media.

Several important tourism events abroad in which Indonesia participated among others were: International Travel Expo, June 1997 in Hong Kong; Holiday and Travel Show, June 1997 in Sydney; World Travel Market, November 1997 in London; Diving Equipment Marketing Association (DEMA), January 1998 in Orlando, Florida; and Internationale Tourismus Borse, March 1998 in Berlin.

In fiscal year 1997/98, international tourist activities held in Indonesia, were: Krakatau Festival in Lampung; the Culture Enchantment and Folk Performances Festival in Jakarta; Maleman Sriwedari and Obral Gedhe Solo in Central Java; and International Wind Surfing Competition in West Nusa Tenggara, Bali and South East Sulawesi.

Do You Know About Tourism Promotion In Indonesia?

DOMESTIC TOURISM PROMOTION

Tourist objects and tourist attractions are being introduced to the Indonesian people to promote domestic tourism. Group tourist awareness (Pokdarwis) has been established as moving spirit for tourist development such as the improvement of tourist attractions to socialize the Seven Charms Program (Sapta Pesona) consisting of safety, cleanliness, orderliness, comfort, beauty, hospitality, and enchanting memories. Until 1997/98, there were 921 Pokdarwis throughout Indonesia, or an increase of 71.5% since 1993/94. To encourage domestic tourism, in 1997/98 the Government started to develop tours for senior citizens.

The Tourist Awareness Campaign every year adopted different themes in accordance with the national development rhythm and dynamics. In 1997, the theme was The Year of Cooperatives and Telecommunication and in 1998 the theme was: The Year of Art and Culture.

Several national tourist events have been held throughout Indonesia. In 1997/98 the events included Toba Lake Festival in North Sumatra; The Indonesian Archipelago Palace Festival in West Java; Borobudur Festival in Central Java; Bromo Festival in East Java; The Balibo Art Festival in East Timor; The Bidar Kapuas Festival in West Kalimantan; Sea Park Festival in Maluku; and the Lembah Baliem Arts and Culture Festival in Irian Jaya.

Despite the current economic crisis which has hit Indonesia since July 1997, the number of domestic tourists increased steadily. In fiscal year 1997/98 the number of domestic tourists was 120 million persons who spent 14 trillion rupiahs.

Latest from Danau Toba (Toba Lake) in North Sumatra

Danau Toba Mulai Bersolek

Suara Pembaruan, 3 Agustus 2008

Semilir angin berembus dari balik pepohonan. Ombak kecil terlihat berkejaran. Ketika itu, mentari baru saja muncul dari balik pegunungan. Danau Toba seakan tersenyum. Seperti perawan habis berdandan. Memperlihatkan keindahan panorama alam sekitarnya.

Danau Toba seperti lautan. Tempat wisata di Sumatera Utara itu memberikan kenyamanan, ketenangan, dan membawa kedamaian. Berada di tempat itu, hilang kepenatan. Tidak mengherankan lokasi wisata itu sempat menjadi primadona, didatangi banyak orang, baik wisatawan lokal maupun dari mancanegara.

Gunung Toba cikal bakal Danau Toba disebut-sebut sebagai supervolcano yaitu gunung aktif dalam kategori sangat besar, meletus terakhir sekitar 74.000 tahun
lalu. Namun Gunung Toba yang kini telah berubah menjadi Danau Toba yang sebenarnya adalah kaldera dengan Pulau Samosir di tengahnya. Danau Toba, Sumatera Utara, menjadi bekas kaldera terbesar di dunia.

Pada tahun 1939, seorang geolog Belanda Van Bemmelen melaporkan, Danau Toba yang panjangnya 100 kilometer dan lebarnya 30 kilometer dikelilingi oleh batu apung peninggalan dari letusan gunung. Belakangan, beberapa peneliti lain menemukan debu rhyolit yang seusia dengan batuan Toba di Malaysia, bahkan juga sejauh 3.000 kilometer ke utara hingga India Tengah. Beberapa ahli kelautan pun melaporkan telah menemukan jejak-jejak batuan Toba di Samudra Hindia dan Teluk Bengal.

Letak Gunung Toba yang kini Danau Toba masih dianggap rawan bencana. Hal itu terkait posisi Indonesia yang terletak di pertemuan tiga lempeng tektonik, yakni Aurasia, Indo-Australia dan Lempeng Pasifik. Sebelumnya Gunung Toba pernah meletus sebanyak tiga kali. Letusan pertama terjadi sekitar 840 juta tahun lalu yang menghasilkan kaldera di selatan Danau Toba, yakni daerah Prapat dan Porsea.

Letusan kedua Gunung Toba berkekuatan lebih kecil, terjadi 500 juta tahun lalu.
Letusan itu membentuk kaldera di utara Danau Toba, yakni daerah antara Silalahi dengan Haranggaol. Dari dua letusan ini, letusan ketigalah yang paling dahsyat. Sementara letusan ketiga terjadi 74.000 tahun lalu yang membentuk Danau Toba sekarang dengan Pulau Samosir di tengahnya. Dengan luas 100 kilometer (km) kali 30 km itu dan Pulau Samosir di tengahnya, Danau Toba bak lautan saja. Lokasi itu berbatasan dengan Kabupaten Simalungun, Toba Samosir, Tapanuli Utara (Taput), Dairi, Tanah Karo, selain Samosir dan Humbang Hasundutan, Sumatera Utara. Kedalaman air danau diperkirakan lebih dari
150 meter.

Tempat wisata itu hanya dikenal dengan nama Parapat. Masuk wilayah Kabupaten Simalungun, Parapat berjarak sekitar 165 km dari Kota Medan. Tidak terlalu sulit mencapainya. Dari Medan, wisa- tawan dapat menaiki bus maupun mikrolet jurusan Kota Tarutung, Kabupaten Taput, dengan ongkos Rp 25.000. Hanya saja, diperlukan waktu tempuh sampai empat jam. Lumayan melelahkan. Tetapi jalan menuju tempat itu lumayan bagus. Kelokan-kelokan mulai ditemui di kawasan Pematang Siantar.

Ada alternatif lain jika ingin lebih cepat tiba di sana, yakni menumpang pesawat dari Bandara Polonia menuju Bandara Silangit di kawasan Kabupaten Taput. Lama perjalanan sekitar 30 menit. Dari Silangit menuju Parapat, memakan waktu perjalanan setengah jam dengan mengendarai mobil. Ke depan, pemerintah berencana membangun jalan tol dari Medan ke Tebing Tinggi, untuk mempercepat waktu perjalanan menuju Danau Toba di Parapat.

Danau Toba pernah menjadi kebanggaan. Selain menambah devisa negara, masyarakat sekitar juga merasakan manfaatnya. Banyak di antaranya yang dapat menikmati hasil sebagai pemandu wisata dan berwirausaha. Ciri Khas Danau Toba sangat jauh berbeda dengan danau lain di Asia. Sesuai penelitian, danau ini terbentuk akibat letusan gunung berapi supervulkanik sekitar 80.000 tahun lalu. Bahan-bahan vulkanik yang dimuntahkan gunung itu sebanyak 2.800 km kubik, di antaranya 2.000 km kubik abu vulkanik.

Letusan itu konon menelan korban tewas ribuan jiwa. Abu vulkanik tertiup angin selama dua minggu sampai ke barat. Setelah letusan, terbentuk kaldera yang terisi air, kemudian menjadi sebuah danau. Pulau Samosir mun- cul akibat tekanan ke atas oleh magma. Pulau itu juga menjadi tempat wisata, banyak menyimpan peninggalan bersejarah.

Danau itu mempunyai ciri khas. Di danau itu berkembang ikan poroporo, nila, dan mujair. Ikan poroporo paling banyak dibeli wisatawan sebagai oleh-oleh. Tentunya, ikan hasil tangkapan nelayan tersebut sudah dijemur terlebih dulu. Harganya Rp5.000, untuk ukuran satu bungkus plastik kecil. Untuk ukuran bungkus plastik besar, harganya Rp10.000. Jika tidak ingin repot-repot membawanya sebagai oleh-oleh namun hanya ingin mencicipi, tak perlu khawatir. Rumah makan-rumah makan di Parapat umumnya menyediakan hidangan dari ikan itu. Tidak asin seperti layaknya ikan asin, dan ikan ini renyah saat dikonsumsi. Ikan nila yang sudah dijemur lebih mahal harganya daripada ikan poroporo. Per ekornya Rp10.000 sampai Rp15.000.

Sebelum masa reformasi, ratusan wisatawan mancanegara berkunjung ke Danau Toba setiap hari. Tempat itu ramai seperti Pulau Bali. Namun, kunjungan wisatawan menurun setelah terjadi reformasi. Apalagi setelah muncul Travel Warning pemerintah asing yang melarang warganya berkunjung ke Indonesia. Menteri Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata Jero Wacik, kagum saat melihat keindahan danau mahaluas itu. Bahkan Presiden Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono juga mengakui keindahan alam Danau Toba. Apalagi melihat kultur masyarakat Toba, yang memiliki kekayaan budaya dari beberapa suku. Bila tetap dipelihara dan dilestarikan, danau itu dipastikan bisa bangkit kembali menjadi objek wisata unggulan, yang dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat.

"Harus dikembangkan. Adat budaya berbagai marga ini akan semakin menarik perhatian wisatawan asing, sebab tidak ada dalam sejarah dunia. Potensi musik Batak yang sudah eksis di beberapa negara juga akan menarik perhatian wisatawan asing. Yang perlu ditingkatkan adalah keramahtamahan dan kesadaran wisata dalam jangka panjang. Sebab, keberhasilan pengelolaan wisata terlihat bila berulang kali dikunjungi wisatawan," ujar Jero Wacik saat berbincang dengan SP di Parapat, baru-baru ini.

Kepala Dinas Pariwisata Kabupaten Simalungun, Boundeth Damanik menyampaikan, kunjungan wisatawan asing ke Danau Toba mencapai 40.000 orang pada 2007. Angka itu belum termasuk wisatawan lokal. Memasuki tahun 2008, terhitung sejak awal Januari sampai dengan Juni, tercatat sekitar 10.000 orang berkunjung ke Danau Toba. "Kami yakin, jumlah wisatawan asing yang datang ke Danau Toba semakin bertambah besar pada tahun ini. Target yang dicapai bertambah 20 persen dari jumlah wisatawan yang datang pada tahun lalu. Kalau kunjungan domestik luar biasa, terutama pengunjung yang bermalam pada Sabtu sampai Minggu", Beliau menjelaskan.

Menginap. Tidak sulit menemukan hotel untuk menginap jika berkunjung ke Parapat. Pengunjung dapat menginap di Hotel Niagara, Parapat View Hotel, Hotel Wisata Bahari, Hotel Sapadia Conteque, Asari Hotel. Untuk kamar kelas standar, harga kamar berkisar Rp350.000 - Rp400.000 semalam, dan kelas suites lebih dari Rp 1juta. Jika dirasa terlalu mahal, banyak juga hotel kecil di seputar Danau Toba
yang tarifnya terjangkau, berkisar Rp100.000 - Rp200.000 per malam.

Urusan makan juga tidak merepotkan. Tinggal pilih rumah makan yang menyajikan masakan khas Batak, masakan Padang, Chinese food, maupun jenis menu lain. Gerai suvenir mudah ditemukan. Harga cendera mata bergantung pada jenis barang. Tas, misalnya, harganya Rp30.000 - Rp100.000, kalung Rp5.000 sampai Rp10.000, kaus mulai Rp15.000 sampai Rp30.000, sandal Rp15.000, syal atau selendang Rp10.000 sampai Rp15.000, baju anak-anak Rp15.000, topiRp3.000. Gantungan kunci bisa diperoleh mulai dari harga Rp 3.000.

"Sejak krisis moneter dan adanya travel warning pemerintah asing, kinjungan
wisatawan menurun drastis. Usaha yang digeluti masyarakat di daerah wisata ini
pun sudah ada yang ditutup. Danau Toba sepi pengunjung di hari biasa, dan baru
ramai di akhir pekan," ujar Bernard Sitorus (48), penjual suvenir. Sampai kini, banyak orang menikmati hasil dari keindahan alam danau tersebut. Hal itu dapat mereka nikmati karena ada aturan untuk menjaga keindahannya, seperti jangan membuang sampah, membuang kotoran, dan bahkan jangan ngomong kotor. Warga diminta tetap menjaga kebersihan dan kelestarian Danau Toba. Sayang lambat laun, aturan tersebut mulai ditinggalkan. Semua itu terjadi karena ada saja pihak yang berbuat semaunya. Kondisi Danau Toba yang dulunya indah, sehingga banyak didatangi wisatawan mancanegara, sempat tercemar lingkungannya.

Sampah berserak di sana-sini. Rumput dibiarkan tumbuh di mana-mana. Seperti
tidak ada lagi orang yang memedulikannya. Lokasi wisata itu dibersihkan hanya setiap kali ada acara tertentu, seperti kunjungan kepala negara atau pertemuan antarpejabat negara. Setelah itu, enceng gondok, keramba jala apung, maupun limbah rumah tangga, dan limbah perusahaan, dibiarkan mencemari danau begitu saja.

"Hal itu sering terjadi. Pemerintah setempat sepertinya kurang serius memberikan perhatian. Wajar saja turis jera berkunjung kembali ke daerah ini," ujar Agustinus, pemerhati Danau Toba. Belum lagi pedagang yang berulah menetapkan harga semaunya. Belum lagi pelayanan karyawan hotel yang kurang memuaskan. Nah, mungkinkan keindahan Danau Toba dapat dikembalikan seperti pada masa jayanya?

[SP/Arnold H. Sianturi]

Printed Media from MINISTRY of CULTURE & TOURISM

PRINTED MEDIA

Information on Investment of Tourism Industry in Indonesia
This book serves information in the field of tourism industry in Indonesia that covers policy, regulation and procedure as well as potential/ opportunity on investment in the field of tourism industry which in intended to provide an overall outlook regarding as well as location and employment opportunities which can be absorbed in each province of Indonesia. more »

The Country Paper of International Symposium of Trail of Civilization
Herewtih the country paper presentation of International Symposium "Trail of Civilization" (Cultural Heritage Tourism Cooperation among Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Viet nam, Jogjakarta, August 28, 2006 is downloadable on this site. more »

Poverty Alleviation Through Tourism
Editor Janianton Damanik, Hendri Adji Kusworo, Destha Titi Raharjana. ... there are pro-poor tourism concept and activity that are specifically directed to provide the local people with more opportunities to get better income from the development of the tourism. more »

Pro Poor Tourism
A Guide for Travellers, Tour Leaders and Developers more »

Turn A Child-Sex Tourist into an Ex-Tourist
Together we can protect the children of Indonesia. In cooperation with ASEAN member countries, PATA, Australian overnment (AusAID), Australian Federal Police (AFP), Accor, ASEAN Secetariat, UNWTO and ASEANTA Asean Tourism Association, Grey. Supported by Child Wise Organization. more »

Desa Wisata Candirejo
The village of Candirejo is located some 3 k from Borobudur Temple. It is Traditional Javanese village that has been an example of village tourism. more »

The Indonesia Motion Picture Production Directory (downloadable)
A must have for those interested in producing movies or documentaries in Indonesia. Available to download in .pdf format. more »

Indonesia Travel Planner 2006
Published by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Indonesia--Travel Planner 2006 is a comprehensive guide to plan your trip to Indonesia. From getting to a destination to what souvenirs or keepsake to keep an eye on, this book will relay it to you. more »

Press Release from CULTURE & TOURISM MINISTRY

PRESS RELEASES ( MORE >> )

The Foreign Visitors to Indonesia on August 2008 growth 20.88% (6 Oct 2008)
On August 2008 Indonesia as a destination was visited by 599,506 visitor or growth 20.88% compared to the same period of the year 2007 was visited by 495,952 visitor. more »

Happy Iedul Fitri 1429 H & National Holiday (26 Sep 2008)
To be Informed to stakeholders related to the Ministry of Culture and Tourism more »

VP Jusuf Kalla opened the Indonesia Tourism & Travel Fair (ITTF) 2008 in Jakarta Convention Center (11 Sep 2008)
Indonesia Tourism & Travel Fair (ITTF) 2008 take place in JCC, Jakarta, on September 11-14, 2008 . more »

Strengthening Asia Pacific Cooperation through MICE Industry (9 Sep 2008)
Ministry of Culture and Tourism in cooperation with AFECA Asian, INCCA, IHRA, ASITA and Garuda Indonesia are hosting the 3rd AFECA AGM & Forum 2008 on September 9-12, 2008 at Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) more »

International Visitor from January to July Grew 11.43 (1 Sep 2008)
The Total Number of visitor arrivals to Indonesia January - July 2008 received 3,469,968 visitor arrivals or grew 11.43% compared to the same period of the year 2007 received 3,114,097 visitor arrivals. more »

The Ground Breaking of Indonesia Movieland (20 Aug 2008)
The first one-stop Film & TV industry center in Indonesia more »

President: Tourism Sector besides rendering foreign exchange and entangles millions of labor (19 Aug 2008)
Indonesia tourism sector besides rendering revenue US$ 5.3 billion in 2007. This sector also entangles millions of labor. Tourism sector besides revenue US$ 5.3 billion in 2007, it differs from other sectors, tourism sector entangles millions of labor, in hotel area, food, transportation, guide and handicraft industry," said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono in front of DPR-RI in Jakarta, on Friday last week (15/8). more »

Coordinated Regulations to boost Yachting says Director General Firmansyah (1 Aug 2008)
Tourism Director General for Destination Development, Firmansyah, conceded that there are still many impediments hampering the growth of yachting in Indonesian waters, in spite of the large potentials and interest from the international sailing community. more »

Visitor Arrivals to Indonesia in the First Semester grew 11.66% (31 Jul 2008)
The number of international visitors to Indonesia through all gates in the first Semester grew 11.66% compared to the same period in the previous year. more »

International Seminar on Srivijaya Civilization (16 Jul 2008)
The Awakening of a Maritime Kingdom, Palembang, July 15th-18th, 2008, venue: Novotel Hotel, hosted by Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Regional Government of South Sumatera, in order to celebrating 100 years national awakening, Visit Musi 2008 and Visit Indonesia Year 2008. more »

The Six Uniqueness Countries Experiences in South-east Asia. (12 Jul 2008)
Cultural link among Indonesia, Cambodia, Myanmar, Lao PDR, Thailand and Viet Nam has been established along time ago and could be traced back from the archaeological remains spread all over the countries particularly in the form of Buddhist monuments, such as Borobudur in Indonesia, Angkor Wat in Cambodia, Luang Prabang in Lao PDR, Swedagon in Myanmar, Ayutthaya in Thailand and My Son in Viet Nam. All of these symbolize the Trail of Civilization. more »

Indonesia, bidding for UNESCO sites (2 Jul 2008)
Montreal (ANTARA News) - The annual scramble for world heritage status opens Wednesday in Quebec City, where 41 countries are seeking UNESCO designation for cultural or natural sites. more »

Visitor arrivals to Indonesia in May growth 14% (1 Jul 2008)
The Total Number of visitor arrivals to Indonesia through all gates in May 2008 amounted to 512,710 visitor arrivals or increased 13.78% compared to the same period of the year 2007 amounted to 450,631 visitor arrivals. more »

Visitor Arrivals to Indonesia from January to April increased 12.71% (2 Jun 2008)
The number of International visitors through all gates from January to April 2008 amounted to 1,864,585 visitor arrivals or increased 12.71%, compared to the same period in 2007. more »

Bali developed into Indonesias turn-around Cruise Hub (2 May 2008)
Newly installed Director General for Tourism Marketing of the Department of Culture and Tourism, Dr.Sapta Nirwandar informed that the port of Benoa, in southern Bali is earmarked to become Indonesias international standard turn-around port for international cruise ships, which is expected to trigger further tourism growth in the eastern region of the archipelago, to include such ports like Kupang, Alor, Makassar and Bitung, very potential marine tourism destinations. more »

International visitors in the period of January to March increased 15.68% (30 Apr 2008)
Number of foreign visitors to Indonesia through all gates in Mart 2008 amounted to 502.041 visitors or increased 13,30 %, if it is compared to the same period of the year 2007 amounted to 443.099 visitors. more »

International Conference on Srivijaya Civilization (10 Apr 2008)
Palembang, 16-19 July 2008, Awakening of Amritime Kingdom. It is the general assumption that Srivijaya was an powerful maritime kingdom that played an important role in the political forum in early Southeast Asia for many centuries, from 7th century to the end of 13th century AD. Just as its sudden appearance not very much is known of its decline, for that matter, the extent of this hegemony especially in Insular Southeast Asia during the height of its power. It influenced many social aspects in the region at that time, such as history of political life, beliefs, culture and economy. more »

International Visitors to Indonesia in February increased 15.82% (7 Apr 2008)
Number of international visitors to Indonesia through all gates in February 2008 amounted to 446.425 visitors or increased 15.82 %, if it is compared to in the same period of the year 2007 amounted to 385.434 visitors. more »

Indonesian 2007 foreign tourist arrivals up 13 percent (10 Feb 2008)
JAKARTA. The number of tourists arrivals to Indonesia rose 13 percent to 5.51 million in 2007 from 4.87 million in 2006, said the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Friday. more »

Visit Indonesia Year 2008: Minister Optimistic 7 Million Visitors target attainable (11 Jan 2008)
On 26 December, Minister for Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik officially launched Visit Indonesia Year 2008 that aims to achieve 7 million tourist arrivals in 2008, offering at least 100 events throughout the archipelago throughout the year. more »

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008 (24 Dec 2007)
Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia wishing you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2008 more »

Visit Indonesia Year (VIY) 2008 (25 Nov 2007)
Find a logo and more information about VIY 2008 more »

Indonesia: Aceh invites Tourists to see Sharia Law in action (25 Nov 2007)
Banda Aceh, (AKI) - Tourism authorities in Indonesia's Aceh province hope that its practice of Sharia or Islamic law will attract visitors. more »

Happy Eidul Fitr 1428 H (11 Oct 2007)
May GOD find you in happiness and good health. more »

Indonesian foreign tourist arrivals up 13.5 percent (4 Oct 2007)
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Foreign tourist arrivals to Indonesia in the first eight months of 2007 rose 13.5 percent year-on-year to 2.97 million, AFP reported citing the data released by the Central Bureau of Statistics. more »

Number of travelers during post-fasting holidays predicted to rise (4 Oct 2007)
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The number of people who will travel during the Islamic post-fasting holidays this year is predicted to be 6.55 percent higher than last year. more »

Tourist arrivals in August down 4.22 pct (2 Oct 2007)
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia in August fell 4.22 percent to 405,600 from a month earlier but rose 17.26 percent from the same period last year, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said. more »

Tourism must play its role in mitigating Climate Change (1 Oct 2007)
Most of us in the Tourism and Transportation Industries are not aware that initiatives have been made in Tourism as well as in Transportation to galvanize global efforts to reduce emission of green house gases. It is a little known fact that Tourism contributes 3% to carbon emissions. more »

Balis Tourism Up and Rearing (1 Oct 2007)
Balidiscovery.com reports that at 166,633 foreign tourist arrivals to Bali during August 2007, the Island's record-breaking arrivals pattern is continuing apace, exceeding arrivals registered in August 2006 (118,104) by +41.09%. more »

Avian Influenza Cases in Jembrana and Tabanan Regents, Bali (31 Aug 2007)
The AI cases occurred and caused death in the Village of Dangin Tukadaya, District of Negara, Regent of Jembrana on 12th August 2007 and in the Village of Banjar Batu Gaing, District of Beraban, Regent of Tabanan on 21st August 2007. more »

ASEAN Tourism Investment Forum (ATIF) (3 Jul 2007)
Second Asean Investment Forum theme "Attracting ASEAN Tourism Investment in a Challenging World" will be held in Bali, September 20-22 September 2007. Venue: Ramada Bintang Bali Hotel, Jl. Kartika Plaza, Kuta, PO BOX 1068, uban Bali 80361, Indonesia, Phone (62-361) 753292, Fax (62-361) 752015), Email: info(AT)bintang-bali-hotel.com; website: www.bintang-bali-hotel.com more »

Sumatera International Travel Fair 2007 (3 Apr 2007)
Sumatera International Travel Fair, with its tagline; Tropical Adventure will be opened by Minister of Culture and Tourism for Republic of Indonesia, Ir. Jero Wacik S.E. The event has 72 booths capacity, stage performance, and free function hall. It also participated by 54 buyers from 15 countries and 72 exhibitors from Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. more »

Cruise ASEAN - Press Release (13 Mar 2007)
Miami USA, 13 March 2007 - Asias cruise industry received a boost today when the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Cruise Working Group launched a new cruise portal www.CruiseASEAN.com at the annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention in Miami. This move marks the commitment by member ASEAN nations to collaborate more closely to further develop the industry in the region. more »

Press Release MATTA Travel Fair 2007 (8 Mar 2007)
In order to increase tourist arrivals to Indonesia and to improve the image of Indonesian tourism as the last year, The Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Republic of Indonesia takes part at MATTA FAIR 2007 Kuala Lumpur from 16 up to 18 Maret 2007 at Putra World Trade Centre, Kuala Lumpur - Malaysia. more »

Update on Garuda Accident in Yogyakarta, Indonesia (7 Mar 2007)
At 06.55 am (WIB) today, Wed, March 7, 2007, flight GA 200, a Garuda Airlines 737-400 was landing in good weather following a routine 50-minute morning 06.00 am flight from Soekarno-Hatta airport in Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia, to Adi Sucipto airport in Yogyakarta, the university and cultural centre located in the centre of Java. more »

Indonesia Statistics (BPS) Notes Visitor Arrival to Indonesia on January 2007 Risings 6,91 % (5 Mar 2007)
Number of visitor arrival is coming to Indonesia through 15 main gates on January 2007 reaching 317,6 thousand, while on January 2006, 297 thousand. more »

Gong Xi Fa Cai (17 Feb 2007)
Minister of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, Jero Wacik, wish you all a happy Chineese New Year and may you have enjoy good health, happiness, and prosperity and peace. more »

Flood in Several Locations in Jakarta (6 Feb 2007)
Flood in several locations in Jakarta such as Kampung Melayu, Tanah Abang, Cipinang Besar, Bendungan Hilir, Petamburan, North Kedoya, Kelapa Gading, Pulo Mas, Pejagalan, Kamal Muara, Sungai Bambu, Kebon Bawang, Warakas, Sunter, Tanah Tinggi, Tugu, North Rawa Badak, Koja, Semper, Cilincing, Kalibaru, Marunda, Ciledug, Kembangan, also includes Tangerang and Bekasi region. But, tourist attractions in Jakarta, such as Ancol Theme Park, National Monument, National Museum, Taman Mini Indonesia, and Ragunan Zoo Park are still safe to visit. more »

Waterfall, Baturaden

Minister of Culture and Tourism RI Jero Wacik and all staffs wishing you (29 Dec 2006)
Merry Christmas, Idul Adha and Happy New Year 2007 in peace and prosperity more »

Iranian Islamic Arts Exhibition (18 Dec 2006)
Bilateral relationship between Indonesia-Iran in the field of culture had been signed an agreement on 17th April 1971, the Government of Indonesia represented by Indonesia Ambassador for Iran and the Government of Iran represented by The Minister for Foreign Affairs. more »

Minister: Traditional and Modern Arts Should Not Stand in Opposition (21 Nov 2006)
In a cultural event held in Hong Kong on November 8-12, 2006, called the Asia Cultural Cooperation Forum (ACCF), the Director General of Culture Value, Arts, and Film of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Indonesia, on behalf of the Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI, H.E. Jero Wacik, stated... more »

The 4th Indonesia Performing Arts Marts (IPAM) 2007 (16 Oct 2006)
Indonesia are rich in varieties of arts and cultural expressions. more »

Five Thousand People Ready for Monkey Dance, the Colossal in Bali (12 Sep 2006)
Visitors coming to Bali are continuously satisfied having watched the non-instrument dance usually performed at night. Extraordinarily, this type of dance will be presented by more than 5,000 people from Tabanan district in Tanah Lot, Bali, in September 29th, 2006. more »

Holding Statement: On Avian Influenza in Indonesia (10 Sep 2006)
Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, still remains as a global issue, and the number of human fatalities have risen to 47 since the first one recorded in July 2005. Indonesia stands amongst the nations who are profoundly concerned about bird flu outbreak and commits to consider the pandemic as a communal threat. more »

Conclusion and Recomendation: International Symposium "Trail of Civilization" (28 Aug 2006)
Understanding the historical contact among the 6 countries (Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam) in cultural heritage, both tangible and intangible, enhance the symposium on Trail of Civilization. more »

Indonesia and Five Other ASEAN Nations in Cultural Heritage Cooperation (25 Aug 2006)
Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos People Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam are several ASEAN nations that have come to realize about the trail of civilization, having a prospect to further enhance the relationship among them. more »

Tourism Media Center in Pangandaran Becomes Tourist Information Center (22 Aug 2006)
The Director General for Marketing in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI, Mr. Thamrin B. Bachri, visited the Tourism Media Center in Pangandaran, Ciamis on August 18th, 2006. The visit was meant to let pass the facility to the local government of Ciamis. more »

Holding Statement: Updated News on Avian Influenza in Indonesia on August 8th, 2006 (9 Aug 2006)
Avian Influenza, also known as bird flu, still hovers as a remaining global issue, since the path to finding the medicine and the spread of the H5N1 virus has not crossed one another. In spite of the enduring effort to find the cure, Indonesia stands amongst the nations who are profoundly concerned about bird flu outbreak. more »

National Plan of Action in The Combat Against Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children in Indonesian Tourist Destinations (5 Aug 2006)
Law No. 23 of the Year 2002 on the Protection of Children, states clearly are gifts granted and entrusted to us by God Almighty. For, within themselves children already carry the dignity and rights intrinsic to the total human being. more »

Ministry & NIHINDO Collaborate for Majapahit Kingdom (2 Aug 2006)
Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI has collaborated with an Indonesian-Japanese fellowship foundation called NIHINDO, to manage the historical and cultural resources in an endeavor to alleviate poverty, strengthen national identity, conserve national culture, and increase nationalism and devotion toward cultural assets. more »

Familiarization Tour to Pangandaran (1 Aug 2006)
Directorate-General of Marketing on 30-31 July 2006 has sent a number of journalists from various mass medias from Jakarta for covering newest growth in Pangandaran. more »

President Yudhoyono Visited Pangandaran, West Java (22 Jul 2006)
President Yudhoyono looked deeply mourning when he met distressed yet enthusiastic survivors. He urged all to always be positive and hopeful even in this moment of sorrow. more »

Tourism Media Center in Pangandaran, West Java (22 Jul 2006)
Please find the following address, phone and fax. number of Tourism Media Center in Pangandaran, West Java. Website and email also available. more »

Holding Statement: Regarding The July 17th, 2006 Earthquake and Tsunami (20 Jul 2006)
I would like to express our deepest condolence to all the departed, the victims, and the families in the affected areas of the earthquake and tsunami. more »

World Tourism Day Celebrated in Bali, September 16-17, 2006 (20 Jul 2006)
This festivity is planned to spin on September 16th " 17th, 2006 in Bali, bringing along a main theme: Bali Bike Fest 2006 " Peace Through Tourism. The goal of the celebration is to bring everyone, individually, as families, or as a community, to have fun through tourism activities, which is bicycling at this certain point more »

Official Statement on Pangandaran Earthquake and Tsunami in West Java and Central Java, on July 17th, 2006 (19 Jul 2006)
On behalf of all officials of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI, I would like to express our deepest condolence to all the departed, the victims, and the families in the affected areas of the earthquake and tsunami. more »

Indonesian Festival in Teheran Strengthens Indonesia-Iran Cultural Connection Established Since 7th A.D. (13 Jul 2006)
The interconnecting paths between the two nations has dated back long before the sovereignty of Indonesia. Srivijaya Empire, ruling the region of Indonesia and other South-East Asian nations and beyond in the 7th century A.D. had known such link more »

Symposium on Indonesia's Marketing Strategy in The Middle East 2006-2009 (29 Jun 2006)
The Vice President of RI, H.E. Jusuf Kalla, will open the symposium. Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI, H.E. Jero Wacik, will also attend the opening, accompanying the Vice President. more »

Know Your Country, Love Your Country in Theatres and 3 More National TV Stations (15 Jun 2006)
In an endeavor to disseminate a campaign known as Know Your Country, Love Your Country published by the Directorate General for Marketing in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Director of Promotional Media, Ries Hartadi, has collaborated with the Indonesian cinema industry, and other 3 national television stations. The stations are Trans TV, RCTI, and the TVRI. more »

Tourism in Yogyakarta: Updated (6 Jun 2006)
Minister Wacik noted that tourism is a multi-sectoral industry. Collaboration and coordination are amongst the key to the swift recovery of Yogyakarta tourism industry, he said. As rescue and relief turns to recovery, it will be vital for the people affected to have the employment and income generated by tourism in order for them to be able to stand on their feet and rebuild their lives with dignity, Wiendu added. more »

Official Statement on Yogyakarta Earthquake (1 Jun 2006)
Although many still think and relate the earthquake with the Mount Merapi, currently discharging hot clouds and melting lava, an anticipated attraction for special-interest tourists from around the world, it was indeed not volcanic. more »

Cultural Fair on Spiritualism in Indonesia (22 May 2006)
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI will stage a cultural fair on spiritualism in Taman Budaya, Denpasar Bali, on May 30th " June 1st, 2006. The event will be opened by the Director General of Cultural Values, Arts, and Film of the Ministry, Mr. Sri Hastanto. more »

Good Governance and National Campaign on Anti-Coruption (22 May 2006)
In strengthening community participation in reducing corruption, collusion, and nepotism in every level of public service/ government, including in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, a national campaign called the National Campaign on Anti-Corruption in the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of RI is held during the month of May until August 2006, in the ministry and other 8 different locations. more »

Two Indonesias Films in Cannes Film Festival (17 May 2006)
Two Indonesias films are on the go to be in one of the worlds outstanding film festival, the Cannes Film Festival, held in France, on May 17th-28th, 2006. The two Indonesias films are Berbagi Suami (Love for Share) directed by Nia Dinata, and Serambi (Aceh and Tsunami aftermath, the movie) directed by Garin Nugroho. more »

Domestic Tourism Campaign via Cinema (12 May 2006)
The trailer called Kenali Negerimu, Cintai Negerimu (Know and Love Your Country) will be shown in 40 major cineplexes throughout the nations before any presentation of any movies. more »

Indonesian Embassy in Rome Staged Contemporary Indonesian Sculptors (10 May 2006)
The event director, Piero Giadrossi, expressed essential information during the event, stressing that the night was especially dedicated for Indonesian sculptors. more »

Indonesia's Ministry of Culture and Tourism Review, Current Tourism Status, Marketing Plans for 2006 (10 May 2006)
The Minister of Culture and Tourism, Mr. Jero Wacik, has fought hard to obtain additional marketing funds from the National Assembly for tourism promotion overseas in 2006 and beyond. more »

Road to Pata Travel Mart 2007 in Bali-Indonesia (5 May 2006)
There were around 60 news reporters, journalists, and tourism writers attended the event and mostly asked about the preparation of the coming PATA Travel Mart 2007 in Bali. more »

Congratulations to Nusantara Singers From Indonesia (3 May 2006)
An Indonesian vocal group called the Nusantara Singers deserved a tap on the back for winning the Silver Prize Award in the 24th Spring Art Festival in Pyongyang, North Korea on April 15th, 2006. more »

Sail Indonesia 2006 (17 Apr 2006)
Sail Indonesia 2006 is the biggest yacht event in Asia, attracting no less than 150 yachts from some 20 nations around the world. more »

Tourism Hoped to bring Prosperity in Indonesia's Small Islands (5 Apr 2006)
The existence of foreign investment and their legal businesses should be encouraged to alleviate poverty in the surrounding vicinity. more »

Indonesia Participates in Kuala Lumpur's MATTA-MITM 2006 (16 Mar 2006)
Indonesia attends its 4th participation at MATTA - MITM 2006 with the full hope that our goal to attract 6 (six ) million overseas visitors will come true in this year. At this prestigious International Toursm exchange. MATTA- MITM, held between 17 - 19 March 2006, the Indonesian Delegation is led by Director General of Marketing, Mr. Thamrin B. Bachri. more »

Minister To Inagurate 490 Students of Bandung's Leading Tourism School (16 Mar 2006)
The graduation day for 490 students of Bandung?emost tourism school, the Tourism Institute of Bandung, pursuing master (S-2), bachelor (D-IV), and diploma (D-III) degrees, is imminent. more »

Minister Visited National Monument to Relocate The Original Indonesian National Flag (7 Mar 2006)
In an endeavor to complete an unresolved intention of the first President of Indonesia, Soekarno, in placing the original Indonesian National Flag, the Dwiwarna, Indonesian word for Two Colors, red and white, within the museum inside the National Monument, (also known by the locals as Monas). more »

Ministry to Support Indonesian Automobile Association (7 Mar 2006)
An auto-touring rally named National Championship Time Rally 2006 (Auto-Touring Rally) staged by join cooperation between the Head Council of Indonesian Automobile Association (PP IMI) and PT PERKASA ENTERPRISE INDONESIA (PERKASA SPORTAINMENT) has gained support from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. more »

Yogyakarta Declaration on Cultural Tourism, Local Communities and Poverty Alleviation (9 Feb 2006)
By the participants of the UNWTO International Conference on Cultural Tourism and Local Communities held in Yogyakarta, Indonesia from 8 to 10 February 2006. Original text downloadble in PDF (Adobe Reader) format. more »

Minister: In-flight Magazines as a Means of Promotion (26 Jan 2006)
During the meetings in the ASEAN Tourism Forum 2006 in Davao City, Philippines, Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI, H.E. Jero Wacik, pitched an idea to his fellow tourism ministers on how the joint promotion would be brought to fruition. more »

Launching of SME Mini Souvenir Shop & Exhibition (9 Jan 2006)
The Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, jointly teamed up with the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA/PHRI), PT UKM Indonesia, and PT UKM Perkasa Makmur launched a program called the Small-Medium Enterprises (SME) Mini Souvenir Shop, an SME development program in a mutual conjunction with hotel marketing plan. more »

Minister Meet the Press Forum (9 Jan 2006)
On December 2, 2005, four news reporters and journalists from Foreign Correspondence Club met the Minister of Culture and Tourism of RI, H.E. Jero Wacik, to obtain the current situation on Indonesian tourism after the Kuta and Jimbaran Incidence occurred last October 1, 2005. Several national journalists were also present including the well-known former national TV reporter, Inke Maris. more »

ARTICLES OF TOURISM

Strategic Sustainable Tourism Development in Indonesia
Roby Ardiwidjaja. Researcher at the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. The quality of the environment is essential for tourism. However, tourism's relationship with many activities has negative environmental effects. On the other hand, tourism has the potential to create beneficial effects on the environment by contributing to environmental protection and conservation. more »

Traditonal Cruise and/ or River Cruise: a proposal based on Historical and Cultural Background
Presented by Harry Waluyo. ASEAN Cruise Working Group in Lao PDR, 23 April 2008. Background. Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia are rooted from Austronesia language groups; Viet Nam, Thai, Khmer, Myanmar, Lao are part of Mon-Khmer language groups. Those language groups are rooted from Proto-Austronesia since 5 thousand years ago. more »

Statistic of Culture and Tourism
By Harry Waluyo. This booklet consist of statistic of culture and tourism in year 2007. Published by The Centre of Data Management and Network System, Ministry of Culture and Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia. more »

Visitor Arrivals to Indonesia in 2006
Inbound tourist 2006 more »

The Homeland of Sailendra Family
In this opportunity I will present about the Sailendra Dynasty. The evidence from the presence of this dynasty was mentioned in some inscriptions. Around the beginning of the 90s, I was interviewed by the Army Force of Thailand Kingdoms television. The interview was about the existence of the rvijaya in the southern part of Thailand, where a stone inscription known as Ligor Inscription was found. more »

Culture Satellite Account
Summarized by Harry Waluyo. An Approach measuring the economic and social importance of culture. more »

General ICT Overview
Presented by Harry Waluyo (Data and Information Centre) more »

Building Harmonious Relationship Through The Civilization Pathway among Nations in South East Asia
By Bambang Budi Utomo. Nations within the South East Asia regions have developing relationship since the first millennium A.D. Started with trading relationship; it was followed by religion and political relationship among kingdoms, which later created parallelism in the history of the development of South East Asian kingdoms. more »

Cultural Tourism Development: Effort to Indonesia Ultimate Diversity
By Roby Ardiwidjaja. The structure of all human activities drastically altered since the past century, cultural tourism is no exception. Evolving leisure patterns, short vacations, and the development of a massive tourism infrastructure has meant that many people tend to have authenticity experiences in a different culture and learn the similarities and differences of the human condition. more »

Indonesian Culture and Society
Tatang Muttaqin. The history of Indonesia begins with the early Kingdoms (500-1377) and the rise of the Islamic kingdoms (1290-1682). Then, presence of European in 1511 started by Portuguese explorers captured the port of Malacca, erected a fort there and settled in. more »

The Development of Interior Tourism and The Reduction of Poverty: The Case of Java, Indonesia
Transcript of the presentation by I Gde Ardika in University of Toulouse, on March 31, 2006, Toulouse, France. more »

Package Policy to Improve Investment Climate, Announced
Finally, the long awaited Investment Policy package, that was promised to boost investments was announced on 2 March. more »

Bali - Mass Tourism in Developing Countries
An excerpt from Olesja Buchner's essay, a cultural study on Bali by the La Trobe University Melbourne graduate. The essay itself is not available either in this site or the Ministry's archive. You can obtain it by downloading it from an external site (payment required). The Ministry, however, doesn't have any affiliation with the commercial site. We simply endorse this essay in hoping that more essays about Indonesian culture and tourism done by non-Indonesians will pop out in the near future. more »