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THE HOTEL Public Relations Association (H3), a professional public relations and communications organization in the Indonesian tourism sector, organized the H3 Summit 2025 with the theme “How Sustainability in Tourism Will Improve Your Hotel’s Business and Reputation” on Thursday, (9/25), 2025, at the Soesilo Soedarman Hall, Sapta Pesona Building, Ministry of Tourism.
The event was opened by Rizki Handayani, Deputy for Industry & Investment, and continued by Hariyadi Sukamdani, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI). The H3 Summit 2025 serves as a national forum for public relations practitioners, hotel industry players, government officials, and other stakeholders to promote the implementation of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) in Indonesian tourism.
According to Yulia Maria, Chairperson of H3 Indonesia for the 2024-2026 period, in her speech at the opening of the H3 Summit, H3 Indonesia emphasized the importance of communication for the success of ESG programs in the Indonesian hotel industry. All public relations practitioners are expected to build positive narratives, educate guests, strengthen hotel reputations, and foster cross-sector collaboration to achieve real sustainability.
“The 2025 H3 Summit was also attended by representatives from the government, industry associations, hotel leaders, communications practitioners, and the media. In addition to seminars and discussions, this H3 Summit also served as an opportunity for internal consolidation between the Central Executive Board (BPP) and the Branch Executive Boards (BPCs), as well as H3 Indonesia members. On the same occasion, the BPP H3 Indonesia inaugurated a new BPC board, the Semarang BPC, joining the four other BPCs previously established in Yogyakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Bogor, and Semarang,” said Yulia.
The H3 Summit, she continued, is a collaborative forum for public relations practitioners, hotel industry players, the government, and other stakeholders to discuss the concrete implementation of ESG in the tourism sector. We believe that proper communication plays a crucial role in strengthening the sustainability commitment and reputation of Indonesian hospitality.
“We hope this forum will become the momentum for realizing concrete steps towards a more sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism,” she affirmed.
Meanwhile, Rizki Handayani, Deputy for Industry and Investment, stated that the Tourism Ministry must be maximized to ensure sustainable growth that considers public interests. Tourism Ministry has introduced various programs and policies to promote the realization of high-quality tourism that is, most importantly, sustainable. Key policies include reducing carbon emissions and preserving natural resources, culture, and local traditions.
She also urged all parties to continue innovating and collaborating to focus on their long-term vision and commitment to sustainable development. “I believe that by integrating creativity, culture, and sustainable principles, we can unlock growth potential while preserving our diversity and natural wealth,” she added.
Likewise, Hariyadi Sukamdani, Chairman of the Indonesian Hotel & Restaurant Association (PHRI), stated that the Indonesian hotel industry still faces challenges in improving tourism sustainability. Although the situation is not yet encouraging, various parties are continuing to take steps. These steps are being taken consciously, leading to the continued promotion of terms such as sustainable development, green economy, circular economy, and blue economy.
“PHRI continues to encourage Indonesian hotels to conduct their business with a three-pronged approach: economic, social, and governance (ESG). PHRI also strives to lead by example, for example, by building a positive narrative, educating guests, strengthening hotel reputations, and establishing cross-sector collaboration to achieve real sustainability,” Hariyadi explained.
In a panel discussion session moderated by Alistair Speirs of MVB Sustainability Consultants, the H3 Summit 2025 covered four topics: (1). “ESG Challenges and Opportunities in the Indonesian Hospitality Industry” with speakers: Alexander Nayoan of PHRI, Carlos Monterde, the Jakarta Hotels Association (JHA), and Angkoso Soekadari of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA). (2). “ESG Challenges and Solution Approaches for the Private Sector” with speakers: Akhmad Fadholi from Ascott International Management Indonesia, Ojahan Oppusunggu from ARTOTEL Group, and Nyi Mas Rannie Kamil of InJourney Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC).
(3) “Energy, Waste, and Water Management and Certification” with speakers: Gregory Long (expert in Solar PV energy), Nicolas Perez of PIPA Indonesia, and Arif Pamungkas of Control Union Indonesia. (4) “The Role of PR & Marketing Communications in Communicating Meaningful ESG Stories” with speakers: Marlene Danusutedjo of Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, Danti Yuliandari of Myneuver – Brand Strategies & Communications Agency, and Dina Novia Faisal of InterContinental Bandung & Hotel Indigo Bandung Dago Pakar.
“The H3 Summit is a collaborative platform for public relations practitioners, hotel industry players, government, and other stakeholders to discuss the concrete implementation of ESG in the tourism sector. We believe that effective communication plays a crucial role in strengthening the sustainability commitment and reputation of Indonesian hotels. We hope this forum will become a momentum for concrete steps towards more sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism,” concluded Yulia Maria. [traveltext.id]
