Indonesia’s Tourism Minister Proposes Major Budget Increase for 2025 to Boost Travel Programs
Indonesian Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana announced plans to increase the ministry’s budget for 2025 to Rp2.254 trillion (approximately US$141.72 million). This proposal follows a significant budget reduction from 2024 to 2025. Currently, the budget for the Ministry of Tourism for 2025 is set at Rp1.489 trillion (around US$93.62 million).
Wardhana detailed that of the proposed budget, Rp1.837 trillion (about US$115.5 million) will go to central work units, Rp123 billion (around US$7.73 million) will support tourism authority agencies, and Rp294 billion (approximately US$18.48 million) will benefit tourism polytechnics.
She emphasized that this budget increase is justified since the 2025 ceiling is lower than the Rp3.182 trillion (around US$200 million) allocated in 2024.
The ministry is focused on four key programs for tourism development:
- Proud of Traveling in Indonesia (BBWI): This program aims to enhance tourism packages, reduce transport costs, and improve destination competitiveness.
- Tourism 5.0: This initiative focuses on digitalizing tourism events and developing AI travel planning tools.
- Affordable Airfares: The ministry is working on strategies to make air travel more accessible.
- Human Resource Improvement: Efforts will be made to enhance the skills of individuals in the tourism sector.
Furthermore, Wardhana stated that collaboration with various ministries and agencies will continue. The ministry aims to improve quality through vocational education, training, and community empowerment in tourism villages.