Deputy Minister of Tourism Urges ASITA to Strengthen Quality and Competitive Tourism

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa has invited all members of the Indonesian Travel Agencies Association (ASITA) to strengthen collaboration with the government in promoting Indonesian tourism that is high-quality, competitive, and sustainable. “We must support ASITA, we must walk together with ASITA. That is the message from him to me. Because ASITA is a strategic partner of the government,” Ni Luh stated in an official statement confirmed in Jakarta on Friday. During the opening of ASITA’s II National Conference 2026 in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Thursday (7/5), Ni Luh Puspa emphasised the importance of ASITA’s role in packaging competitive tourism packages while optimally utilising various government stimuli to drive national tourism sector growth. She explained several strategic government steps in addressing global challenges, including high aircraft ticket prices that impact tourist mobility. On the President’s directive, the government has provided several stimuli, including 100% government-borne VAT, a 38% surcharge determination, and zero import duties on aircraft parts to help suppress flight ticket prices. This strategic shift is deemed aligned with global trends, where tourists now tend to choose closer destinations that are more efficient in terms of costs and shorter travel times. She reminded all tourism business actors, especially travel agencies, to ensure that the tourism products marketed come from businesses with official permits. This step is important to maintain service quality, protect tourists, and strengthen the credibility of the Indonesian tourism industry. The Ministry of Tourism is also continuing to promote the creation of an interconnected tourism ecosystem between the event industry, tourism and travel, and hospitality to enable joint and mutually reinforcing growth. ASITA’s General Chairman Rusmiati hopes that various ideas and concepts produced in the forum can attract more foreign tourists to Indonesia while strengthening synergy with the government. “Our hope is that good communication with the government can continue to be established to achieve common goals in advancing Indonesian tourism,” Rusmiati said.