Leverage tourism as economic defense against US tariffs: Minister

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The tourism sector could serve as a potential national economic defense for Indonesia in response to external pressures resulting from trade tariffs imposed by the US government, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana stated.

Wardhana made the remarks in response to US President Donald Trump's reciprocal tariff policy on imported products from several countries, including Indonesia.

Wardhana noted in a statement on Saturday that in the face of high tariffs on exports, Indonesia can capitalize on the tourism sector's vast potential as a significant source of foreign exchange that is not subject to trade barriers.

"By attracting more foreign tourists, we can maintain the stability of the rupiah and foreign exchange reserves," she affirmed.

Hence, Wardhana urged stakeholders in the tourism sector to focus on three main strategies in navigating the challenges of global trade dynamics.

The first strategy involves positioning the tourism sector as a balancing service export.

Wardhana highlighted that Indonesia boasts rich natural resources, arts and culture, and community creativity, offering immense tourism potential. However, the distribution of 13.9 million foreign tourists in Indonesia remains concentrated in certain destinations.

Wardhana urged tourism business actors across regions to capitalize on this situation by enhancing the readiness of destinations, tourism products, tourism businesses, workers, and targeted promotions in an integrated manner.

The second strategy entails optimizing micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and local tourism providers.

Wardhana emphasized that Indonesia's vast tourism potential extends beyond specific destinations, beginning at the village level.

Hence, the ministry continues to develop tourist villages and encourage tourism-based economic activities throughout Indonesia to ensure more equitable distribution of economic benefits.

The third strategy focuses on developing high-quality tourism, where the ministry encourages tourism business actors in all destinations to strive for quality tourism experiences that attract higher tourism spending rather than pursuing visit numbers.

The ministry recognizes Indonesia's potential in this tourism realm through the flagship program called Pariwisata Naik Kelas (Escalated Tourism), focusing on the maritime, gastronomy, and wellness sectors.

Wardhana is optimistic that these measures would enable the tourism sector to support the national economy amid external pressures and also establish Indonesia as a premier destination on the global stage.