Central Java Developing Muslim-Friendly Tourism, from Tawangmangu to Halal Ecosystem.

On the slopes of Mount Lawu, the cool air of Tawangmangu now offers not just mountain panoramas and waterfalls, but also a new face of more inclusive Tourism. The Central Java Provincial Government continues to develop its region to be increasingly friendly for the growing number of Muslim tourists.

One area serving as a pilot project is Tawangmangu, Karanganyar Regency. This area is deemed ready in terms of both infrastructure and services.

“Several areas are being developed as Muslim-Friendly Tourism spots, like Tawangmangu in Karanganyar Regency, which is currently well-prepared,” said Central Java Deputy Governor Taj Yasin after receiving a delegation from the Indonesian Muslimah Entrepreneurs Economic Movement (GEEMI) in his office on Tuesday, January 6, 2026.

This readiness makes the area a model for developing Muslim-friendly tourism at the provincial level.

This is because its infrastructure is well-established, from souvenirs, cafes, to its culinary offerings, all being Muslim-friendly and well-organized.

According to the Deputy Governor, this commitment doesn't stand alone but is part of a broader regional policy.

Not just destinations, supporting sectors like hospitality are being directed to transform to meet the needs of Muslim tourists.

Hospitality, as part of the Tourism Ecosystem, also needs to adopt halal concepts, including providing Halal Cuisine, prayer facilities, and qibla direction indicators in every room.

“Many International Tourists, especially from the Middle East, choose Muslim-friendly tourist spots. Similarly, tourists from Islamic boarding schools or Islamic-based education institutions will choose Muslim-friendly spots as destinations,” said Gus Yasin, as he is familiarly called.

However, the vision of the Central Java Provincial Government doesn't stop at the surface appearance of destinations. The government is also building the foundation from the upstream, ensuring the entire tourism supply chain aligns with halal principles.

He emphasized that the commitment of the Central Java Provincial Government in developing Muslim-friendly tourism isn't solely focused on destinations. 

Efforts include monitoring halal certification at Chicken Slaughterhouses (RPA) and Animal Slaughterhouses (RPH), developing the profession of Halal Butchers (Kang Jalal), and others.

These steps are part of the broader vision for medium-term regional development.

This aligns with Ahmad Luthfi-Taj Yasin's 11 priority programs: fostering a sharia economic ecosystem through regulatory strengthening and the development of Muslim-friendly tourism.

With a comprehensive approach from the natural landscape to halal regulations, Central Java isn't just building destinations, but crafting a Travel Experience, a place where tourism, culture, and faith coexist in harmony.