Source: Between
Amid global competition to attract Muslim tourists, Indonesia refuses to be a spectator. With its cultural richness, the world's largest Muslim population, and abundant natural potential, the nation possesses strong capital to become a primary reference for Muslim-friendly tourism.
However, according to Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, this massive potential can only be optimized through collective action. She emphasized that cross-sector collaboration is the key.
"Collaboration and support from various stakeholders are essential, including cross-ministerial synergy to advance Muslim-friendly tourism through joint actions. Industry, association, and private sector collaboration are also key to ensuring quality and consistency in applying clear standards," she stated in Jakarta.
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She explained that collaboration extends beyond formal coordination to include aligning visions and sharing best practices.
"By involving domestic and international partners, we can align in setting standards, mutually share best practices, and expand promotion," said Minister Widiyanti during a press conference for "The 7th International Halal Tourism Summit" in Jakarta.
Furthermore, she stressed that Muslim-friendly tourism must not solely focus on facilities but also prioritize community welfare.
"Industry policies and partnerships must empower local businesses and communities, ensuring the benefits genuinely enhance public welfare," she added.
A Continuously Growing Market
Recent data highlights the immense opportunity. Minister Widiyanti explained that, according to CrescentRating, Muslim tourists made 176 million international trips in 2024, surging 21.3% from 145 million in 2023.
This figure is projected to skyrocket to 245 million tourists by 2030, with expenditures reaching US$235 billion.
This trend has even prompted non-OIC (Organization of Islamic Cooperation) countries to adapt.
"The rise of Muslim tourists is shaping the future of global travel. Even countries outside the Islamic cooperative organization are taking notice and starting to adjust their facilities and services for Muslim tourists," she continued.
Indonesia Must Be a Pioneer
As a country with over 230 million Muslims and more than one million domestic trips annually, Indonesia holds a strategic position.
"With its rich natural wealth and cultural heritage, Indonesia possesses a distinct competitive advantage. This scale and potential should place us at the forefront. Our aspiration is clear: Indonesia must set the standard for Muslim tourism development," stated Widiyanti.
To strengthen this direction, Indonesia will launch the 2025 edition of the Indonesia Muslim Travel Index.
Developed in collaboration with Bank Indonesia, the Enhaii Halal Tourism Center (EHTC), and CrescentRating, this index adopts the ACES GMTI framework—Access, Communication, Environment, and Services.
"The Indonesia Muslim Travel Index provides actionable insights into Indonesia's strengths, identifies areas for improvement, and empowers the Indonesian tourism industry. Beyond insights, the Index will guide us in refining standards and certification," said Widiyanti.
Strategy: Attractions, Access, and Standards
The Minister outlined the approach to enhancing Muslim-friendly tourism: developing and promoting tourist attractions, improving accessibility, and standardizing facilities.
She noted Indonesia possesses numerous Islamic heritage sites worthy of being highlighted as primary attractions.
"Indonesia is blessed with several Islamic heritage sites that should be leveraged as distinct attractions, reinforcing the appeal for tourists seeking Muslim-focused experiences, such as the Grand Mosque of Baiturrahman in Aceh and Istiqlal Mosque in Jakarta," she said.
Widiyanti added that the next step is to recognize and package all this potential to offer authentic experiences for global tourists.
"We must recognize, gather, and promote all these riches as unique experiences friendly to Muslim tourists, showcasing our identity and appeal to global visitors," she concluded.(Antara)
