Indonesia\u2019s tourism sector continues to grow. According to the\nTourism Satellite Account (TSA), the sector contributed 4.67% to the\ncountry\u2019s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2023, underscoring its vital\nrole in national economic growth. The question remains: who truly\nbenefits from this expansion?<\/p>\n
To boost tourism, the government, through the Ministry of Tourism,\nhas implemented strategic measures. These include developing thematic\ndestinations and village tourism, strengthening sustainable tourism\necosystems, enhancing MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences,\nExhibitions) services, and introducing visa-free policies for 13\ncountries.<\/p>\n
However, three of these priorities heavily rely on on-the-ground\nresources. Developing destinations, strengthening ecosystems, and\norganising events require capable actors to manage them effectively.\nUltimately, the success of Indonesia\u2019s tourism strategy hinges on the\nquality of its human resources.<\/p>\n
In reality, many local workers remain in informal or low-wage roles\nand have not fully taken on strategic positions within the industry. If\nthis persists, tourism growth risks creating inequality, where\ndestinations flourish while local communities remain mere spectators.\nTherefore, human capital development should not be treated as an add-on\nbut as a core strategy in tourism development.<\/p>\n
Strengthening Skills as the Foundation<\/p>\n
Tourism sector development must begin with upskilling the workforce.\nThis can be achieved by equipping communities with relevant capabilities\nand specialised skills, as demonstrated by Diageo\u2019s Learning for Life\nprogramme, supported by the Ministry of Tourism.<\/p>\n
Since 2022, over 6,000 tourism workers in Indonesia and more than one\nmillion globally have participated in this training, with increased job\nopportunities reported.<\/p>\n
Building Talent Pools with Educational Institutions<\/p>\n
Beyond upskilling current workers, the next challenge is ensuring\nfuture talent availability. Therefore, industry collaboration with\neducational institutions is crucial. Partnerships like Agoda\u2019s Digital\nTourism Academy with Bandung Polytechnic of Tourism illustrate efforts\nto bridge academia and industry.<\/p>\n
This approach aligns curricula and training with sector needs from\nthe outset, ensuring graduates are not only job-ready but also equipped\nto navigate industry dynamics. Such collaboration is vital to prevent\ngrowth being hindered by talent shortages.<\/p>\n
Positioning Communities as Key Actors<\/p>\n
Upskilling tourism workers is also critical for supporting micro,\nsmall, and medium enterprises (UMKM). Strengthening UMKMs enables\ncommunities to transition from informal or low-wage roles to active\nparticipants in the tourism value chain.<\/p>\n
This role can be further reinforced through sustainability-focused\nprogrammes that empower communities while ensuring long-term value\ncreation. For instance, Agoda\u2019s Sustainable Tourism Impact Fund empowers\nlocal communities to develop their businesses.<\/p>\n
Support for UMKMs like Sejiva and Livingseas not only enhances\noperational and marketing aspects but also contributes to developing\nregenerative tourism hubs in Indonesia. This demonstrates that tourism\ngrowth can align with community empowerment, while also requiring\nenvironmental sustainability.<\/p>\n
Without this, tourism growth risks undermining its own foundations.\nIn Indonesia, where natural beauty is the primary attraction,\ninitiatives like rainforest restoration and marine conservation are\nvital. Programs such as Agoda\u2019s Eco Deals in partnership with WWF show\nhow tourism growth can harmonise with environmental preservation.<\/p>\n
Indonesia\u2019s tourism sector is unlikely to slow down soon. Its\npotential is vast, and policy support continues to strengthen, alongside\ninitiatives placing communities at the forefront, including those from\nUS-based companies mentioned. However, who becomes the key player and\nwho benefits from progress depends on today\u2019s efforts.<\/p>\n
The question is no longer whether tourism will grow, but who will\nlead and who will be left behind. Indonesia\u2019s tourism direction is\nultimately determined not by investment, infrastructure, or policy\nalone, but by a more fundamental choice: whether to place people and\ncommunities at the heart of growth, or merely as numbers in achievement\nreports.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/who-benefits-from-indonesias-tourism-1780030824", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }