Deputy Minister of Tourism highlights women's role in maintaining tourism resilience

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa stated that women play a strategic role as the main pillar in maintaining resilience and promoting growth in Indonesia’s tourism sector.

In an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Wednesday, Ni Luh said that women play a strategic role, not only in cultural preservation and destination management, but also as significant economic drivers.

Nationally, women contribute around 54.22% of the workforce in the tourism sector. On the other hand, women-led SMEs are projected to contribute up to $135 billion by 2026.

This contribution is reflected in the national tourism performance. In 2025, Indonesia welcomed 15.39 million foreign tourists with an average expenditure of $1,267 per visit. Meanwhile, domestic tourist movements reached 1.2 billion trips.

These achievements drive the tourism sector to contribute 3.96% to the national GDP and support more than 25.91 million jobs. From the foreign exchange perspective, tourism generated $18.27 billion, affirming its role as one of the main drivers of the national economy.

The Indonesian government is responding to this through strengthening gender mainstreaming policies as regulated in Presidential Instruction Number 9 of 2000, as well as various capacity-building programmes for female entrepreneurs.

At the global level, Indonesia is also demonstrating its commitment by hosting the 2nd UN Tourism Women Conference on Women Empowerment in Tourism in Asia and the Pacific in 2024.

PATA Indonesia Executive Director Agus Canny stated that the spirit of R.A. Kartini reminds us of the importance of education, empowerment, and equal opportunities for all.

“Therefore, this issue requires our collective commitment and collaboration. Gender equality is not just a women’s issue, but everyone’s responsibility. When equal opportunities are given, society will become stronger and more sustainable,” said Agus.