Zita Anjani: Tourism Must Be Based on Cultural and Environmental Conservation

SIAK - The Special Presidential Envoy for Tourism, Zita Anjani, emphasized that the direction of the development of Indonesian tourism must be based on cultural and environmental conservation so that it is sustainable and has a real impact on the community.

This was conveyed by him during a series of working visits to Pekanbaru, Siak Regency, and Kampar Regency, Riau Province last week.

According to Zita, tourism is not merely about increasing the number of visits, but rather how a destination is able to maintain its cultural identity and natural sustainability.

"Communities are the heart of experience-based tourism. When culture is taken care of by its own young generation, that's where tourism finds its soul," Zita said in her statement, Thursday, February 12.

He emphasized that cultural conservation is not only a form of symbolic preservation, but also a long-term economic development strategy. Well-cared for culture, he said, can be a source of sustainable livelihoods without losing its authentic value.

In Siak Regency, Zita assessed that experience-based tourism practices such as river traditions and local cuisine were examples of how nature and culture could be integrated into one destination narrative. This concept is considered to strengthen the local identity while providing economic benefits for the community.

"Tourism is not just about the distance traveled, but about the values we encounter along the way. And that value, in Indonesia, is called culture," he said.

Meanwhile, when reviewing the Muara Takus Temple in Kampar, he emphasized that the development of historical tourism must go hand in hand with the protection of the site.

"Properly cared for culture can be a source of sustainable livelihoods. However, preservation must always be the top priority so that its historical value is maintained for future generations," he said.

Through the visit, Zita emphasized the commitment to build a tourism ecosystem based on cultural identity, community empowerment, and environmental sustainability, with collaboration between the government, community, and creative economy players as the main key.