Entering 10 Priority Destinations, Kemenpar Boosts Wakatobi Tourism Development

Deputy Minister of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia (RI) Ni Luh Puspa during a selfie with the people in Kendari City, Southeast Sulawesi (24/5/2025). (Doc. ANTARA)

KENDARI - Deputy Minister (Wamen) of Tourism Ni Luh Puspa said Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province (Sultra) was included in Indonesia's 10 priority tourism destinations.

He said this was in Kendari, Saturday, May 24, where the Ministry of Tourism continues to boost the growth of the 10 priority tourist destinations to be the driving force for buffer tourism in each region.

"So, whether it's outside of 10, then it's not moved, moved. But we prioritize these 10 must be crushed first, boosted continuously so that these 10 can be the driving force for others," said Puspa, quoted from ANTARA.

He mentioned that the development and development of tourism that is included in the 10 priority categories continues. In fact, since previous years by boosting infrastructure development or also in terms of community readiness.

"It has been done and in the future we will push again," he said.

Puspa revealed that he had also discussed with the Deputy Governor of Southeast Sulawesi Ir. Hugua about connectivity in the Wakatobi Regency area, which is included in 10 priority tourist destinations in Indonesia.

He admitted that issues related to connectivity in the 10 regions were still being voiced in the central government with stakeholders.

"Not only to Wakatobi, but also to other regions, and this in our central government is continuing to encourage it, how our communication, collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and also BUMN, the private sector, so that we can encourage areas with weak connectivity together," he said.

He explained that not only with the central government, but the Ministry of Tourism will also hold discussions with each local government of the 10 priority tourist destinations.

This is because the development and development of the tourist area is not only the task of the Ministry of Tourism, but the involvement of a number of stakeholders to the regions.

"Because the destination that has it is not the Ministry of Tourism, but the one that owns it is the local government. So, we need to hear what is about need to be developed, what support is still needed, of course we will support together," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Governor (Deputy Governor) of Southeast Sulawesi Ir. Hugua said that Wakatobi and its seven buffer areas would continue to be encouraged by local governments by making Regional Regulations (Regions) related to tourism to become legal umbrellas in tourism development.

"So that communication between the central government and local governments is a strong legal umbrella, if that happens then I believe tourism is not an industry, but it has become a background to encourage all sectors to grow," added Hugua.

The 10 priority Indonesian tourism destinations include Lake Toba North Sumatra, Bangka Belitung, Bromo Tengger Semeru East Java, Borobudur-Prambanan Central Java and DIY, Lombok-Gili Trawangan West Nusa Tenggara, Manado North Sulawesi, Morotai North Maluku, Wakatobi Southeast Sulawesi, Labuan Bajo West Nusa Tenggara, and Raja Ampat Southwest Papua.