WNAM REPORT: Indonesia’s Tourism Ministry will strengthen small businesses and creative industries through strategic programs in 2026, Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said on Tuesday.
“We will continue tourism attraction curation, support MSMEs and creative economy players, and expand the Wonderful Indonesia Gourmet and Wellness programs,” Widiyanti said.
Business mentoring aligned with destination development will also be scaled up.
Speaking at a working meeting with Commission VII of the House of Representatives on Monday, the minister noted that 96.3 percent of 2.55 million tourism enterprises registered in the government’s Online Single Submission system are MSMEs, covering hotels, restaurants, cafes, travel agencies, leisure venues, and other tourism-related services.
Capacity building remains a priority, with competency-based training expanded to ensure workers gain skills needed to grow businesses and improve tourism services sustainably.
The ministry will develop new travel patterns focusing on cultural heritage, Muslim-friendly tourism, and marine tourism, integrating MSMEs and creative industry players into curated visitor experiences.
Strengthening MSMEs in priority regions such as North Sumatra, East Nusa Tenggara, and Yogyakarta will be carried out through the respective Implementing Authority Bodies.
Widiyanti highlighted the expansion of S’RASA, an initiative promoting Indonesian cuisine abroad through menu standardization, culinary curation, and support for Indonesian restaurants competing globally.
Using MSME products and creative works in tourism, she said, helps build emotional engagement that attracts international visitors.
“We are committed to providing more space for MSMEs and artists through events and promotion,” she added.
Commission VII Chairman Saleh Partaonan Daulay urged the ministry to implement more structured programs empowering MSMEs and the creative economy, while maximizing tourism potential from local commodities such as coffee and natural resources.
