“In 2024, Indonesia welcomed 13.9 million foreign tourists, up 19 percent from the previous year. Meanwhile, as of July 2025, 8.5 million tourists have been recorded,” Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said at the graduation ceremony of Makassar Tourism Polytechnic here on Saturday.
She noted that Indonesia’s tourism sector is experiencing a remarkable revival. Domestic tourist trips surpassed 1 billion in 2024, and by July 2025 the figure had risen 19.25 percent year-on-year.
The minister emphasized that tourism must focus not only on visitor numbers but also on delivering quality experiences, preserving the environment and culture, and ensuring benefits for local communities.
Amid this growth, she stressed the need for skilled, adaptive, and competitive human resources.
Tourism polytechnic graduates, she said, should possess technical expertise, leadership abilities, cross-cultural communication skills, and strong integrity.
“You are the new generation who will meet future challenges, drive transformation, and ensure Indonesia’s tourism remains competitive while benefiting the community,” Wardhana told the graduates.
At the event, deaf graduate Ridho Raditya Putra thanked classmates and lecturers for their support in helping him become a sign-language tour guide.
He encouraged fellow graduates to stay optimistic and highlighted kindness and understanding as keys to overcoming communication barriers.
The Ministry of Tourism is targeting foreign tourist arrivals of 14.6 million to 16 million in 2025, higher than the total recorded in 2024.
Related news: Bali floods don't deter tourists, hotels still fully booked: Minister
Related news: Indonesia, Türkiye boost ties with focus on tourism cooperation
Related news: Need better waste management at tourist sites: dy minister
Translator: Nur Suhra, Raka Adji
Editor: M Razi Rahman
Copyright © ANTARA 2025
