Deputy Interior Minister Bima Arya Views Pacitan as Having Potential to Become a Leading Tourist City

Deputy Interior Minister (Wamendagri) Bima Arya Sugiarto believes that Pacitan Regency has significant potential to develop into a leading tourist destination. He expressed this view while attending an event at the Pacitan Regent’s Pendopo in East Java on Friday (1/5/2026).

Bima admitted that he had long wanted to visit Pacitan. His desire grew stronger after hearing about the construction of the SBY-ANI Museum and Gallery, which has now become one of the area’s new icons. The museum and gallery are named after Indonesia’s sixth President, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY), and his late wife, Ani Yudhoyono.

According to him, the presence of the museum brings positive impacts to the local community’s economic vitality. He observed that development in the surrounding area shows increasing activity. “And I saw earlier along the road, the economy is starting to stir,” he said.

Bima also appreciated the quality of the SBY-ANI Museum and Gallery. Based on his experience visiting various museums abroad, he assessed that the one in Pacitan meets international standards. Moreover, the museum is equipped with a library featuring a variety of reading collections.

“I imagine, somewhat imaginatively, Mr Regent, this SBY Museum will become the foundation for Pacitan to have various identities that align with Mr SBY’s character, from his thoughts to his hobbies,” he stated.

On the other hand, he expressed readiness to collaborate with running community networks to hold sports events that can enhance the image and Local Own-Source Revenue (PAD). “Later, we’ll design the event together. I will bring the ALTI (Indonesian Trail Running Association) network to hold an event here, to elevate Pacitan’s image,” he emphasised.

Also present on the occasion were Pacitan Regent Indrata Nur Bayuaji along with officials from the regional apparatus organisations (OPD) of the Pacitan Regency Government.