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THE MINISTRY of Tourism is committed to increasing tourist visits and has decided to support the ASEANTA initiative programs.
The Ministry of Tourism has expressed its appreciation for the ASEANTA Tourism Initiative, which introduced two strategic programs: the ASEANTA Tourism Award and the launch of a new digital platform called the “Discover ASEAN” microsite.
According to Deputy Minister of Tourism, Ni Luh Puspa, who presented remarks at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on Friday, August 8, 2025, said these two programs have the potential to positively impact the strengthening of tourism cooperation in Southeast Asia, particularly for Indonesia as one of the ASEAN’s leading destinations.
“As one of the leading destinations in the region, Indonesia fully supports this joint effort to strengthen ASEAN’s identity and open opportunities for broader collaboration. This initiative will also invite people to explore the diversity, dynamism, and strength of tourism in Indonesia,” said Ni Luh.
ASEAN is a key market for Indonesian tourism. In 2024, ASEAN tourists are projected to account for 4.8 million of the total international tourist figures of 13.9 million. In the first half of 2025, 38.2% of international tourists to Indonesia will come from ASEAN countries.
Therefore, the Ministry of Tourism is committed to fully supporting ASEANTA’s efforts and is ready to continue collaborating with industry players, associations, and regional partners to deliver tangible benefits to the community and the national tourism sector.
“It is our hope that these initiatives will continue to expand and generate long-term benefits for the community, the region, and our collective future,” she stated.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism explained that the ASEANTA Tourism Award is an effort to recognize tourism players in Southeast Asia. The launch of the ASEAN Tourism Microsite, developed in close partnership with AirAsia MOVE, facilitates access to information and streamlines trip planning for ASEAN tourists across the region.
AirAsia MOVE is also a strategic partner for the Ministry of Tourism, collaborating to attract tourists, especially from the ASEAN region.
Furthermore, Deputy Minister of Tourism Ni Luh revealed that one of the current efforts to increase tourism in the ASEAN region is by developing the Red and White Village Cooperative as a tourist destination manager and a forum for tourism operators in the regions.
This initiative is a component of the Fastest Best Results Program (PHTC), a priority program under the leadership of President Subianto. The Merah Putih Village Cooperative plays a vital role in tourism development, including through tourism villages, with a focus on integrating food security, local economic empowerment, and environmental preservation.
Meanwhile, ASEANTA President Eddy Krismeidi Soemawilaga stated that the appreciation given to tourism actors is in the form of the 39th ASEANTA Tourism Awards, which consist of 12 categories. The awards acknowledge a wide range of contributions, including digital campaigns, sustainability initiatives, cultural preservation, and travel content creation.
“This initiative underscores ASEAN’s shared commitment to promoting tourism recovery, digital innovation, and cross-border collaboration, which aligns with the Southeast Asian region’s development agenda in the post-pandemic era,” Eddy concluded. [traveltext.id]
