Promoting tourist destinations in Indonesia so that more visitors are indeed one of the missions of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf). However, currently, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf are also focused on efforts to encourage sustainable or sustainable tourism in Indonesia.
This is because sustainable tourism can be trusted to have a long-term impact on Indonesia’s natural preservation. What is sustainable tourism and what destinations does it include? Read here!
What is Sustainable Tourism?
Citing the Indonesian Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, sustainable tourism is the development of a tourism concept that can have a long-term impact. Whether it’s for the environment, social, cultural, and economic for the present and the future for all local people and tourists who visit.
In an effort to develop sustainable tourism, Kemenparekraf/Baparekraf has developed four pillars of focus. These include sustainable management (tourism business), long-term sustainable economy (socio-economic), culture that must always be developed and maintained, and environmental aspects (environment sustainability).
Armed with these 4 main pillars, the trend of sustainable tourism will become a tourist activity that is in great demand by tourists. Not on vacation, every tourist also wants to travel related to health, safety, comfort, and nature preservation.
5 Sustainable Tourism Destinations in Indonesia
1. Baluran National Park
This destination, which is located in Situbondo, East Java, is an ecotourism that develops sustainable tourism. It can be seen from the concept of Baluran National Park tourism which raises the priority of nature conservation in order to support the conservation of animals and the environment. Not only that, this sustainable tourist destination also prioritizes the welfare of local residents.
Baluran National Park is also known by the nickname “Little Africa” in Java, thanks to the existence of a savanna that is typical of Africa. In addition, quoted from Katadata, this tourist destination has as many as 444 species of plants, 28 types of mammals, as well as 196 aves, pisces, and reptiles. Those of you who visit Baluran National Park can also stop by the surrounding attractions, such as Bilik Sijile Beach, Mount Baluran, and Savana Bekol.
2. Pujon Kidul Village
This sustainable tourism location is located in Pujon District, Malang. Adopting a sustainable concept, Pujon Kidul Village offers tourism in the agricultural and livestock sectors. Here, we can grow vegetables, pick vegetables, and milk cows.
Another tourist activity that we can enjoy here is hiking to the waterfall area. On the way, we can pass through the hills and plantations of residents. Visitors can also stay at residents’ homes to better enjoy the beautiful atmosphere in this Pujon Village.
3. Ujung Kulon National Park
This destination, which is located in Banten, is already familiar to the people of Indonesia, as well as the world. Ujung Kulon National Park is known as home to the Javan Rhino and has been named a World Heritage Site. In addition, this tourist destination is now included in one of the tourist sites that raises the concept of sustainable tourism.
The reason is, Ujung Kulon National Park is not limited to preserving nature and the Javan Rhino, but also empowering the surrounding community to maintain economic prosperity. Those of you who visit here can enjoy many exciting activities, such as visiting the beautiful Handeuleum Islands, or canoeing on Pamanggangan Island.
4. Punti Kayu Palembang
This tourist spot is said to be the biggest oxygen contributor in Palembang. This is thanks to the pine forest and a number of flora found there. Some of the flora in question, among others, mahogany, talog, and acacia.
At Punti Kayu Palembang, we can also see a number of unique and rare fauna. These include long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, squirrels, civets, and various rare insects that don’t even have names yet.
5. Sangeh Monkey Forest
Sangeh Monkey Forest is located in Bali with an area of about 10 hectares. This sustainable tourism-based destination preserves a number of rare flora, including pule plants, nutmeg, sandpaper, buni, yellow cempaka, and others. However, of course the main attraction of this tourist destination is the hundreds of long-tailed monkeys that are also protected.
Besides being a “home” for hundreds of long-tailed monkeys, Sangeh Monkey Forest is also a sacred place for the Hindu community in Bali. There are two sacred temples in the middle of the forest, namely Pura Melanting and Pura Bukit Sari.