"We are introducing events by Indonesia through 110 KENs as an effort to stimulate regional economies, highlight attractions in each region, and preserve local culture through event hosting," she noted in a statement on Sunday.
Based on the results of the tourism sector's performance in the first semester of 2025, her party recorded that 46 KENs had been held in 25 provinces across Indonesia.
A total of 42 events have also been assessed for their impact, recording 5.07 million visitors, generating Rp463.07 billion (US$27 million) in economic transactions, involving more than 6,000 MSMEs and over 68,000 artists, and creating jobs for around 60,000 workers.
"Two events are currently underway, with 58 remaining until the end of 2025. We hope the 2025 KEN can serve as a driving force for tourism activation and economic impact," Puspa conveyed.
When talking about the Toba Caldera Geopark, she expressed hopes for the return of its green card status, where the revalidation process took place from July 21-25, 2025.
The results of this revalidation will be presented to the UNESCO Global Geopark Assembly on September 5-6, 2025, in Chile, and the final decision will be announced at the 2026 UNESCO Executive Board Session in Paris, France.
To support this revalidation, cross-ministerial/institutional efforts are underway, including interpretive maps by the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources and flight announcements by the Ministry of Transportation, she explained.
Previously, her side had undertaken efforts to support fundamental improvements, including the National Seminar on Geopark Management.
The government also held a Coordination Meeting on Revalidation Preparation with seven regional heads and held "The 1st International Conference on Toba Caldera Global Geopark 2025," attended by participants from Indonesia, Malaysia, and South Korea, as well as a pre-revalidation session with independent assessors from South Korea.
She then emphasized the commitment to preserving and developing natural tourism attractions to ensure their quality and sustainability.
"We believe that Toba Geopark will regain its green card status. Once we get back the status, we must work together to maintain it," Puspa reminded.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma S, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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