Kemiren Osing Village Joins UN Tourism World Tourism Network

At the foot of Mount Ijen, nestled a village seemingly frozen in the past, yet now catapulting into the future. The Osing Kemiren Traditional Tourism Village in Banyuwangi Regency, East Java, has officially been included in the World's Best Tourism Villages Network (The Best Tourism Villages Upgrade Programme 2025) by United Nations Tourism, the tourism body under the United Nations (UN).

This achievement is not merely an award, but global recognition of the strength of a living local culture adapting amidst modernity.

This proud news was welcomed with deep gratitude by the Regent of Banyuwangi, Ipuk Fiestiandani.

“This achievement is the result of the spirit of mutual cooperation ('gotong royong') and the strong commitment of the Banyuwangi community, especially the people of Kemiren, in preserving culture and developing sustainable tourism,” Ipuk stated in Banyuwangi on Sunday, October 19, 2025.

According to Ipuk, this success is tangible proof that tourism isn't always about modern destinations and advanced technology. 

“Kemiren Village demonstrates that a village with strong cultural roots can advance and go global without losing its identity, and this motivates us to continue strengthening an inclusive, sustainable, and culturally-based tourism ecosystem,” she added.

Kemiren: Where Osing Tradition Never Fades

Kemiren is the heartland of the Osing tribe, the indigenous people of Banyuwangi known as “wong Blambangan”. Here, tradition is not just an annual ritual, but the breath of life. Wooden houses with distinctive architecture, the rhythm of gamelan music, to the aroma of Kemiren's signature coffee are part of the daily life that captivates tourists.

One of the village's main attractions is the Tumpeng Sewu Ritual, a community thanksgiving tradition held every Suro month. Thousands of 'tumpeng' (cone-shaped rice dishes) lining the village roads are not just a feast, but also a symbol of prayer, togetherness, and blessings.

Additionally, Kemiren also hosts the Festival Ngopi Sepuluh Ewu (Ten Thousand Cups of Coffee Festival), where every visitor can sip coffee from a thousand cups while chatting with the locals. It's not a hipster cafe, but a warm atmosphere that makes anyone feel like they're coming home.

From Traditional Village to Global Network

This recognition from UN Tourism was announced at the Best Tourism Villages by UN Tourism 2025 Ceremony & Third Annual Network Meeting in Huzhou, China, on October 17, 2025. The event was attended by over 270 tourism villages from 65 countries, and only 72 villages were ultimately selected after a rigorous selection process by an independent expert panel.

The assessment covered various aspects, from the preservation of natural and cultural resources, economic sustainability, integration of the local value chain, to tourism governance and visitor safety.

Kemiren's inclusion in this network marks an important step: a village deeply rooted in tradition is now part of a global movement for sustainable and internationally competitive rural tourism.

Keeping Roots, Greeting the World

One of Kemiren's strengths lies in how its people maintain a balance between modernization and tradition. They do not reject change, but adapt it to local values. Homestays in Kemiren are increasingly sought after by international tourists, yet their design and management still reflect the friendly and unassuming Osing spirit.

This is what makes Kemiren not just a destination, but a living story about how culture can remain relevant without losing its essence. A powerful message for Indonesia's younger generation: global doesn't mean losing locality.

With recognition from UN Tourism, Kemiren now stands alongside other iconic villages worldwide that have successfully blended natural heritage, cultural heritage, and community in rare harmony.