Jakarta, INTI - Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called for greater use of technology and innovation to unlock Indonesia’s natural and cultural wealth, strengthen the competitiveness of its tourism industry, and expand economic opportunities for local communities.

Gibran emphasized that technology-driven tourism development should go beyond increasing visitor numbers. It should also create added value, improve the quality of tourism experiences, and enhance the welfare of communities living around tourist destinations.

He delivered the remarks as a keynote speaker at the 2025/2026 academic year graduation ceremony of the Trisakti Institute of Tourism (Institut Pariwisata Trisakti) in Jakarta on Tuesday.

“What we need to consider today is how technology can create added value for our tourism industry, deliver direct benefits to communities, and help the world discover Indonesia’s beauty. We want to develop high-quality tourism,” Gibran said.

He noted that Indonesia’s natural resources and cultural diversity offer significant opportunities to attract international visitors, particularly when supported by technology, innovation, and active community participation.

Gibran Promotes Technology to Develop High-Quality Tourism

Gibran said technology plays a vital role in expanding the international reach of tourism promotion in Indonesia.

Digital solutions can help showcase the country’s natural landscapes, traditions, and diverse attractions, making them more accessible to travelers from around the world.

However, he stressed that technological progress in tourism must be accompanied by better service quality and tangible economic benefits for local communities.

He therefore advocated a high-quality tourism model that prioritizes not only visitor numbers but also meaningful travel experiences and contributions to local economies.

According to Gibran, tourism can become a major driver of national economic growth when development initiatives actively involve businesses and communities surrounding tourist destinations.

Innovation and technology are also expected to create new opportunities for local enterprises to reach broader tourism markets.

During the ceremony, Gibran addressed 669 graduates of the Trisakti Institute of Tourism from doctoral, master's, bachelor's, and applied bachelor's degree programs. He expressed the hope that they would contribute to the advancement of Indonesia’s tourism industry and related sectors.

Vice President Praises Bromo Hotel for Partnering with Local Farmers and MSMEs

Beyond technology adoption, Gibran highlighted the importance of integrating local communities into tourism industry supply chains.

He said tourism growth should create opportunities for small businesses to develop alongside major companies operating in tourist destinations.

As an example, Gibran cited a hotel in the Mount Bromo area that collaborates with local farmers, micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), and Indigenous communities.

The hotel works with nearby farmers to source ingredients for its restaurant, creating market opportunities for local agricultural products while strengthening connections between the hospitality industry and the surrounding economy.

The hotel also partners with local MSMEs that provide jeep tour services in the Mount Bromo area, demonstrating how tourism activities can generate business opportunities for residents.

In addition, Gibran highlighted the participation of the Tengger Indigenous community in educational tourism programs that introduce visitors to local traditions, cultural heritage, and ways of life.

Such initiatives enable Indigenous communities to participate directly in tourism development while gaining economic benefits from visitor activities.

“I appreciate how they collaborate with nearby farmers as suppliers of restaurant ingredients, local MSMEs as providers of Mount Bromo jeep tour services, and Indigenous communities through educational tourism introducing Tengger culture. This demonstrates that the presence of large corporations should not replace or undermine local businesses, but instead strengthen their capacity through promotion,” Gibran said.

He explained that this partnership model demonstrates how major companies can help strengthen local businesses without displacing existing economic actors.

Gibran Highlights Indonesian Music's Growing International Reach

Gibran also emphasized that tourism destinations are not the only means of introducing Indonesia to international audiences. Art, music, and creative industry products can also play a significant role in promoting the country’s identity worldwide.

He cited several Indonesian musicians whose works, he said, have attracted attention overseas.

Among them was singer Tulus, whose song “Teh Hijau” was mentioned as gaining popularity in Malaysia. Gibran also highlighted vocal group No-Na, which he said had reached the top position on a music platform in South Korea.

He further mentioned singer Silet Open Up, whose work was reportedly nominated for an Asian music award in Japan.

These examples illustrate the potential of Indonesian creative works to reach international audiences and introduce the country's cultural identity to a wider global community.

According to Gibran, the international recognition of Indonesian music can complement tourism promotion by strengthening the country’s cultural profile and enhancing its appeal abroad.

He added that tourism and the creative economy are closely connected in building Indonesia’s international image and increasing its attractiveness to global audiences.

Tourism Seen as a Key Instrument of Indonesia’s Soft Power

Gibran stressed that tourism serves not only as an economic sector but also as an important instrument for strengthening Indonesia’s global influence and appeal.

The country’s natural wealth, cultural heritage, and creative talent represent valuable assets for building a positive national image through soft power.

Soft power refers to a country’s ability to build influence and attraction through its culture, values, and international reputation rather than relying solely on economic or military strength.

“Tourism is one of Indonesia’s important soft power instruments. Soft power is a nation’s ability to make itself loved by the world,” Gibran said.

He expressed hope that continued development of the tourism and creative industries would introduce Indonesia to an even broader international audience.

Technology is expected to strengthen destination marketing while helping local businesses access wider tourism markets.

Through a high-quality tourism approach, the government aims to encourage economic growth that benefits not only large corporations but also farmers, MSMEs, tourism service providers, and Indigenous communities.

Gibran emphasized that collaboration among technology, innovation, the tourism industry, and local communities is essential to strengthening Indonesia’s tourism competitiveness.

With this approach, Indonesia’s natural and cultural wealth can gain greater international recognition while creating broader economic opportunities for communities across the country’s tourist destinations.

Conclusion 

Technology and innovation are essential to strengthening Indonesia’s tourism competitiveness, promoting its natural and cultural heritage, and expanding international reach. Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized that high-quality tourism should prioritize not only visitor numbers but also tangible economic benefits for local communities. Through collaboration between major tourism businesses, local farmers, MSMEs, and Indigenous communities, Indonesia can foster more inclusive and sustainable tourism growth. The creative industry, including music, also offers opportunities to strengthen the country’s global image and soft power.

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