Focus on Nature Conservation Urged for Tourism Village Development

JAKARTA – The Minister of Villages, Development of Disadvantaged Regions, and Transmigration, Abdul Halim Iskandar, called on local governments to prioritize environmental conservation in the development of tourist villages to ensure the long-term sustainability of these initiatives.

Iskandar made this statement during the “Nusantara Tourism Village Competition, Community Development Workers, and Professional Facilitators Awarding Night,” which was broadcast live on the ministry’s YouTube channel on Saturday evening.

In his remarks, the minister stressed that by focusing on nature preservation, tourism villages would not only showcase their natural beauty but also provide comfort to both visitors and local communities. He believes this approach would enhance the sustainability of tourism villages while benefiting the environment.

“I am confident that this method will have a lasting positive impact,” Iskandar said.

The minister further highlighted the importance of fostering hospitality among tourism village managers and local residents. He urged all stakeholders to place a high priority on cleanliness in their efforts to develop tourist villages.

The Nusantara Tourism Village Competition aims to inspire villages across Indonesia to explore and develop their tourism potential, contributing to local economic growth. The event also seeks to encourage village communities to embrace cultural literacy through creativity and innovation.

Participants in the competition included villages with tourist attractions managed by village-owned enterprises, joint ventures, or other entities. The competition featured two categories: underdeveloped, very underdeveloped, and developing villages, as well as developed and independent villages. (ANT)