150 Tourist Villages in South Sumatra Will Be New Paradise for Travelers

Imagine traveling around South Sumatra (Sumsel), village to village, savoring views of green rice fields, the aroma of freshly roasted robusta coffee, to the strains of traditional music welcoming guests. Such an experience is no longer just a dream. The South Sumatra Provincial Government through its Culture and Tourism Office (Disbudpar) is preparing 150 tourist villages for national promotion.

This major step isn’t just about tourism—it’s about reviving local economies and preserving cultural heritage to keep it alive amid the pressures of modernity.

"We’ve already listed 135 villages for promotion, and by November 11, 2025, another 15 will be added, bringing the total to 150 villages," said Vita Sandra, Head of the Destination Division at Disbudpar Sumsel, in Palembang on Tuesday.

According to Vita, this tourism village promotion aims to empower local communities to manage their own tourism potential. 

Residents aren’t just spectators; they’re expected to be key players in creating authentic and sustainable tourism experiences.

"This way, communities can boost their income and improve their quality of life," she stated.

From nature to culture and history, Sumsel abounds with attractions—from Pagaralam’s green expanses and Palembang’s historical traces to Musi Banyuasin’s natural charm. All are being refined into tourist-friendly premier destinations.

"The South Sumatra Provincial Government is committed to developing this region’s tourism sector through promoting 150 villages," Vita emphasized.

The government also acknowledges private sector involvement via corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs in developing these villages. 

Such support is expected to accelerate destination development, particularly in training MSMEs and community-based tourism management.

"Tourist villages positively impact locals when facilitated with training to advance micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), enabling their products to reach visitors," Vita explained.

This initiative not only unlocks new tourism opportunities but also creates richer travel narratives centered on mutual cooperation, creativity, and preserving local identity amidst modernity.

With 150 villages poised for promotion, Sumsel steadily cements its status as one of Indonesia’s most comprehensive tourist destinations—where nature, culture, and communities thrive in harmony. (Antara)