Speaking at the Makassar Tourism Polytechnic Students' Dialogue in Makassar, South Sulawesi, on Saturday, Wardhana said she wanted to identify challenges while gathering fresh ideas from young people.
"I came here to hear about students’ complaints and ideas. Young people always bring innovative perspectives that can help us in government," she said in a statement released Monday.
During the discussion, students presented several proposals. Feda Pratiwi from the Tourism Planning Business program suggested greater promotion of the phinisi ship as a Sulawesi icon in Bulukumba, while Rahma Dini Saputri urged stronger promotion of Palopo City as a marine, cultural, and historical tourism destination.
Wardhana welcomed the ideas, noting that phinisi promotion could be integrated into the ministry's tourism development agenda. She emphasized that marine tourism holds vast potential, given Indonesia's 17,000 islands, but stressed the need for stronger shipping regulations.
"Marine tourism can become a strong industry, but shipping regulations still need to be strengthened. That is a major challenge we must address," she said, adding that she will coordinate with the Ministry of Transportation and other stakeholders on the matter.
The ministry's Upgrading Tourism Program aims to enhance tourism quality across infrastructure, human resources, tourism products, and promotion, with a focus on special interest tourism.
Deputy Minister for Resources and Institutions Martini Mohamad Paham said the government cannot work alone in promoting destinations and encouraged students to take part.
"A simple contribution is creating positive content about Indonesian destinations on social media. Let's work together to promote our tourism, from food, textiles, and souvenirs to creative student works," she said.
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Translator: Hreeloita Dharma Shanti, Katriana
Editor: Anton Santoso
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