Indonesia Leads The Way In 2026 With Continued Expansion Of Tourism Villages Initiative That Brings Sustainable Economic Growth And Global Recognition To Local Communities

Published on December 19, 2025

Indonesia is set to lead the way in 2026 with the continued expansion of its Tourism Villages initiative, a key program designed to drive sustainable economic growth and bring global recognition to local communities. By empowering rural areas to develop as eco-friendly and culturally rich destinations, this initiative ensures that tourism benefits extend far beyond the typical tourist hotspots. With its focus on sustainability, local entrepreneurship, and cultural preservation, the program has already garnered international acclaim, including recognition from the UN and ASEAN Tourism Awards. As the initiative expands, it promises to create more opportunities for community-driven development, while enhancing Indonesia’s position as a leader in responsible tourism worldwide.

Indonesia is poised to build on its success in 2025 and extend its flagship tourism initiatives through 2026, reinforcing a national strategy centered around high-quality, sustainable tourism. The aim is to enhance the overall visitor experience while ensuring that tourism continues to provide tangible benefits for local communities across the archipelago.

The Ministry of Tourism has confirmed that key tourism programs will be extended into the new year as part of broader efforts to strengthen Indonesia’s global tourism positioning. A primary focus for 2026 will be quality tourism, with an emphasis on safe, comfortable, and meaningful experiences that leave a lasting impact on visitors and local communities alike.

Expanding the Tourism Villages Initiative

One of the cornerstones of Indonesia’s tourism strategy is the continuation of the Tourism Villages initiative, which has been vital in fostering sustainable growth and ensuring that tourism provides direct benefits to local populations. This program, which has already received both national and international recognition, aims to transform rural areas into thriving tourism destinations.

As part of the initiative, two Indonesian villages were recently named to the UN’s prestigious Best Tourism Villages list, and the program has garnered a total of 15 awards at the ASEAN Tourism Awards, underscoring its success. The initiative’s impact has been far-reaching, with nearly 3,000 halal certifications issued for tourism villages and five sustainable village certifications granted.

In 2026, the government will continue to support the ongoing development of selected villages, providing targeted guidance to ensure their long-term sustainability. This includes fostering local entrepreneurship and ensuring that tourism growth is inclusive, benefiting all community members, from small businesses to local artisans.

Strengthening the Quality Tourism Program

Indonesia’s Quality Tourism program will also be strengthened in 2026, building on the success of previous years. The program’s goal is to attract higher-spending visitors by focusing on delivering a premium experience that includes a variety of thematic tourism products such as gastronomy, wellness, and marine-based experiences.

These initiatives are expected to encourage longer stays and greater spending among visitors, helping to boost the economic benefits of tourism in Indonesia. In addition, the ministry will continue to recognize the contributions of industry stakeholders through the Wonderful Indonesia Awards, further incentivizing collaboration across the tourism ecosystem.

The Ministry of Tourism believes that these efforts will help position Indonesia as a global leader in high-quality tourism, setting the country apart from other destinations by focusing on offering exceptional, curated experiences that cater to a discerning traveler.

Events as Key Drivers of Economic Growth

The Event by Indonesia program, which was first launched to boost domestic and international tourism, will also continue to grow in 2026. Events have proven to be highly effective in driving tourism numbers, with more than 12 million visitors attending nationwide events in 2025.

These events have had a profound economic impact, generating approximately Rp23.76 trillion (around US$1.4 billion) in revenue. In addition, they have supported over 250,000 jobs and provided opportunities for more than 20,000 micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises. This demonstrates how tourism events are not just about attracting visitors, but also about creating jobs and providing economic opportunities for local businesses.

In 2026, the Indonesian government will continue to support a variety of cultural, culinary, and sporting events across the country. By leveraging these events, the ministry aims to enhance Indonesia’s appeal as a year-round destination, with something for every type of traveler, from cultural enthusiasts to adventure seekers.

Digitalization and the Future of Tourism

Looking forward, the Ministry of Tourism has reaffirmed its commitment to the Tourism 5.0 program, which will be a key focus for 2026. This initiative emphasizes the integration of digital technologies into the tourism sector to improve the visitor experience. One of the key components of this program is MaiA, an AI-powered tourism assistant that provides fast, reliable visitor information through the official platform at www.Indonesia.travel.

The adoption of digital tools is not just about convenience; it also aims to improve the overall efficiency of tourism services, making it easier for travelers to plan and navigate their trips. By implementing these modern technologies, Indonesia is positioning itself to remain competitive in an increasingly digital world while continuing to provide personalized and seamless experiences for visitors.

Safety and Cleanliness Standards

In addition to digitalization, Indonesia is placing a strong emphasis on safety, cleanliness, and overall destination readiness. The Tourism Safety Enhancement program, which focuses on improving the competencies of tour guides and ensuring the safe management of high-risk attractions, will be expanded in 2026. This program is critical as Indonesia’s tourism industry continues to grow, ensuring that visitors can explore the country’s vast offerings with confidence.

The Clean Tourism Movement, introduced in 2025, will also be carried forward into 2026. This initiative has already seen the participation of more than 9,000 people and 22 strategic partners, all working together to improve cleanliness and hygiene standards at tourist destinations. By continuing to prioritize cleanliness, Indonesia aims to maintain high standards that align with international expectations, ensuring that visitors have a pleasant and hygienic experience throughout their stay.

The Outlook for 2026

As Indonesia looks toward 2026, the tourism sector is set to continue its growth trajectory with a strong focus on sustainability, quality, and community benefits. Through the extension of key programs, such as the Tourism Villages initiative and Quality Tourism enhancements, the country is aiming to strike a balance between growing its tourism sector and maintaining the long-term health of its natural and cultural resources.

By continuing to invest in infrastructure, digitalization, and safety standards, Indonesia is setting itself up to be one of the leading destinations for quality tourism in the coming years. With a clear focus on high-spending visitors and immersive, sustainable travel experiences, the country’s tourism sector is poised to thrive, offering economic opportunities for local communities and a rich, memorable experience for travelers from around the world.

Indonesia is leading the way in 2026 with the expansion of its Tourism Villages initiative, driving sustainable economic growth and earning global recognition by empowering local communities through eco-friendly and culturally rich tourism development. This initiative fosters community-driven growth while positioning Indonesia as a leader in responsible tourism.

The government’s strategic framework for 2026 presents a promising future for Indonesia’s tourism industry, one where growth is measured not just by the number of visitors, but by the long-term value and positive impact tourism has on local communities and the environment.