Indonesia’s Push for Green Tourism: A New Era for Eco-Conscious Travelers

Published on December 6, 2025

In efforts to hasten a greener, more sustainable style of travel, Indonesia is taking remarkable initiatives to lead the way in green tourism. On December 5, 2025, the Ministry of Tourism, in cooperation with the International Labour Organization, held a Policy Forum on Green Tourism MSMEs in Jakarta. The event brought together government officials, international partners, training institutions, and people from the tourism sector to discuss how to support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in tourism that are oriented toward environmental responsibility.

Green Tourism as the Future of Indonesia’s Tourism Industry

Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism, Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, underscored the importance of green tourism during her speech at the forum. “Green tourism is no longer a choice; it is a necessity,” she emphasized. The minister explained that MSMEs play a pivotal role in the country’s economy, helping create jobs, preserve cultural heritage, and support local livelihoods. The government’s shift towards a value-driven tourism model focuses on sustainability, aiming to align with global climate commitments and industry trends. This shift prioritizes not just profit but also environmental stewardship and social impact.

This initiative is part of Indonesia’s broader efforts to align with its National Mid-Term Development Plan (RPJM) for 2025–2029, which includes strengthening inclusive tourism supply chains, enhancing destination management, and incorporating principles of Blue, Green, and Circular Economies (BGCE). The government aims to develop green infrastructure and promote climate-friendly financing mechanisms, ensuring that the tourism sector grows in an environmentally responsible and sustainable manner.

Empowering MSMEs for a Sustainable Future

Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of Indonesia’s tourism industry. Minister Widiyanti emphasized that MSMEs must embrace eco-friendly practices, such as reducing waste, conserving water, using renewable energy, and protecting biodiversity. By integrating these practices into their operations, MSMEs can grow sustainably and create a positive impact on the environment and local communities. This, in turn, will enhance Indonesia’s global reputation for responsible and ethical tourism.

The ILO has been instrumental in facilitating this transition. Simrin Singh, the ILO Country Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste, highlighted the organization’s strong partnership with the Indonesian government and UN agencies. “Green tourism is not just about adopting eco-friendly practices,” she said. “It’s about creating decent jobs, promoting biodiversity conservation, preserving cultural heritage, and mitigating climate change.” She stressed that green tourism’s impact goes beyond the tourism sector, fostering resilience, inclusiveness, and competitiveness in the broader Indonesian economy.

Capacity Building for Green Tourism

During the forum, the Ministry of Tourism and ILO recognized the efforts of 19 trainers who have played a crucial role in guiding MSMEs through the green transition. These trainers are part of the Partnership for Action on Green Economy (PAGE), a UN initiative launched in Indonesia in 2023. Through PAGE, the ILO and Ministry of Tourism have developed comprehensive training modules on entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and sustainable tourism practices. Additionally, they have conducted multiple Training of Trainers (ToT) programs and provided direct training to hundreds of MSMEs.

The partnership also organized a Green Jobs Forum, which focused on tourism development in biodiversity-rich regions. This collaborative approach has made a significant impact on Indonesia’s tourism ecosystem, with over 900 MSMEs across 30 cities and regencies now incorporating sustainable practices into their operations. By adopting green business models, these MSMEs are reducing their environmental footprint while attracting eco-conscious tourists who prioritize sustainability in their travel choices.

Expanding Green Tourism Nationwide

PAGE’s green tourism initiatives have already yielded remarkable results in pilot projects across Central Java, Yogyakarta, North Sumatra, and West Nusa Tenggara, benefiting 172 MSMEs. Due to the success of these projects, the program has expanded nationwide, reaching regions such as West Java, North Sulawesi, West Papua, and Lampung. These MSMEs are now implementing waste reduction systems, adopting low-carbon operations, and creating community-based tourism models that promote sustainability and enhance market competitiveness.

As Indonesia continues to expand its green tourism efforts, the government has laid out plans for further capacity-building programs and policy reforms that will continue to foster sustainable practices across the tourism sector. Through these efforts, Indonesia is positioning itself as a leader in global sustainable tourism, ready to set an example for other countries.

Green Tourism and Its Impact on Indonesian Travel

For travelers, the rise of green tourism in Indonesia offers a chance to engage with the natural beauty and cultural richness of the country in an environmentally responsible way. Eco-friendly tourism experiences are becoming increasingly popular among travelers who are more conscientious about their environmental impact. Indonesia’s shift toward sustainable tourism offers unique opportunities to explore the country’s vast natural landscapes, from pristine beaches to biodiverse rainforests, without contributing to the environmental degradation that often accompanies mass tourism.

Tourists visiting Indonesia can now expect experiences that go beyond traditional sightseeing, such as participating in local sustainability efforts, learning about the country’s biodiversity conservation efforts, and engaging with local communities in meaningful ways. For example, eco-tourists can now choose to stay at hotels and resorts that operate using renewable energy, participate in waste reduction initiatives, or engage in sustainable farming and fishing practices that support the local economy.

The Path Forward: Sustainable Tourism in Indonesia

It is the MSMEs that hold the future for tourism in Indonesia. By supporting these enterprises to go green, the government secures the country’s tourism sector and makes it resilient against climate change, while providing tourists with the opportunity to enjoy the natural wonders of Indonesia in an environment-friendly manner.