Central Java Provincial Government Focuses on Developing Tourism and Islamic Economy by 2027
The Central Java Provincial Government’s development roadmap is being integrated with the development plans of regencies and cities across the province. “Infrastructure is set for 2025, and food self-sufficiency will be strengthened by 2026; therefore, 2027 will see tourism become our priority,” stated Luthfi in a statement on Monday (18/5/2026). This announcement followed the Central Java Development Consultation (Rembug Pembangunan) held in Banjarnegara Regency.
He explained that integrating the development roadmap with regencies and cities is a follow-up to the results of the Musrenbang (Development Planning Meetings) that concluded at the provincial level recently. Based on 2025 data, the tourism sector grew significantly by 10.60%. The contribution of the tourism sector to Central Java’s GRDP (Gross Regional Domestic Product) from 2022 to 2025 has shown an increasing trend, rising from 3.29% in 2022 to 3.74% in 2025, confirming tourism’s role as a regional economic driver. Furthermore, tourist arrivals increased from 46.6 million in 2022 to 74.4 million in 2025, a rise of 59.73%, proving that Central Java is a favourite destination for visitors from West Java, Jakarta, and East Java, as well as international tourists.
“The capital already exists within our respective regions, including nature tourism, culinary tourism, traditional textiles (wastra), and more,” Luthfi explained. This potential is further bolstered by UNESCO’s recognition of various cultural products from Central Java. This foundation should serve as a catalyst for regions to develop culture and tourism, including Muslim-friendly tourism.
According to Luthfi, the potential for developing tourism in Banjarnegara, Wonosobo, Purbalingga, Banyumas, and Cilacap is abundant for nature and agro-tourism projections. However, mapping must still be conducted to ensure all existing tourism potential is fully utilised, including strengthening previously nurtured tourism villages.
In response, the five regents in attendance expressed their readiness to align their programmes with the roadmap initiated by the Central Java Provincial Government. The Regent of Banjarnegara, Amalia Desiana, stated that they will focus on exploring the underutilised ‘zone two’ tourism destinations, specifically the Dieng Mountainous Area. She added that Banjarnegara’s geography is similar to neighbouring Wonosobo and Purbalingga, offering great potential for natural tourism, and that tourism villages will act as a magnet to boost economic growth.
Similarly, the Acting Regent of Cilacap, Ammy Amalia Fatma Surya, noted that Cilacap already has 19 tourism villages managed independently by villages. However, only one destination, Cipari, is managed by the Regency Government, and its current condition is concerning. “We will reorganise it so it can be utilised as a sustainable tourism destination. Additionally, Teluk Penyu and Benteng Pendable need revitalisation; we have already communicated this with the Ministry of Culture. We will also push for the development of Sharia-compliant and Islamic economy tourism,” she explained.