Indonesia has set its sights on a remarkable goal: breaking into the top 15 of the Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI). This ambitious target follows the country’s impressive achievement of ranking 22nd in 2023, a ten-position leap from the previous year. According to a senior tourism official, this advancement presents a promising opportunity to further elevate Indonesia’s standing on the global stage.
During a virtual press conference held in Denpasar, Bali, Dessy Ruhati, Deputy for Strategic Policy at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, emphasized the crucial role of cross-sector collaboration in achieving this objective. “Our main challenge is to enhance cross-sector collaboration,” she stated. This focus aligns with the country’s positive tourism growth trend, which had been temporarily halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Indonesia’s progress in the TTDI, assessed by the World Economic Forum (WEF), is a testament to its commitment to improving its tourism offerings. The index, which is released biennially, evaluates the performance of countries across various aspects of travel and tourism, highlighting areas for development.
The upcoming Indonesian Quality Tourism Conference (IQTC), scheduled for August 29-30 in Bali, will serve as a platform for discussions on strategies to further improve Indonesia’s TTDI ranking. Odo R. M. Manuhutu, Deputy for Tourism and Creative Economy at the Coordinating Ministry for Maritime Affairs and Investment, underscored the importance of regional government policies aligned with the quality of tourism. He suggested that local governments allocate at least 1% of their budgets to tourism and prioritize enhancing basic infrastructure.
Manuhutu also stressed the necessity of improving waste management, particularly in handling plastic waste, as a critical area for development. “If all sectors concentrate on these improvements, we are confident that we can achieve a top 15 ranking through coordinated action and mutual understanding,” he asserted.
Beyond waste management, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy is planning several initiatives to bolster Indonesia’s tourism index. These include enhancing health services, expanding information and communication networks, and improving the overall services provided to tourists.
The Indonesian government recently launched the “Keep The Wonder” campaign to support sustainable tourism practices across the nation. This initiative aligns with Indonesia’s broader efforts to maintain its tourism appeal while addressing environmental and infrastructural challenges.
Significant investments have been made in key tourist destinations, including the revitalization of Komodo National Park and the promotion of unique cultural events such as the ‘Pacu Jalur’ boat race, recognized as one of the top 10 National Tourism Events (KEN). These investments reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing Indonesia’s tourism sector, aiming not just for increased visitor numbers but also for higher-quality experiences that align with global standards.
With continued focus on cross-sector collaboration, infrastructure improvement, and sustainable tourism practices, Indonesia is well-positioned to climb the ranks in the global travel index. The nation’s strategic initiatives demonstrate a commitment to enhancing its tourism sector, ensuring a future where Indonesia is recognized as a leading destination for quality travel experiences.
