The seminar, “Love Letters from Bulaksumur: Building a Resilient, Sovereign, and Responsible Future for Indonesian Tourism,” marked the 30th anniversary of the UGM Center for Tourism Studies (Puspar UGM).
This seminar was held to celebrate Puspar UGM’s 30th anniversary and to continue generating ideas as part of its contribution to the development of Indonesian tourism, aiming for further improvement.
“‘Love letters’ were chosen to express deep affection for the development of tourism in Indonesia,” said Dr. Muhamad Yusuf, Head of Puspar UGM, at the UGM Graduate School on Tuesday, Jul. 23, 2024.
Dr. Yusuf shared the good news that Indonesia has recently moved up to 22nd place in the Travel Tourism Development Index, improving from 32nd place globally.
Despite this remarkable achievement, tourism still faces many challenges.
Ongoing issues in Indonesian tourism require severe attention and comprehensive solutions.
“From this starting point, Puspar UGM feels the need to express its love through activities themed ‘Love Letters from Bulaksumur: Building a Resilient, Sovereign, and Responsible Future for Indonesian Tourism,’” Dr. Yusuf explained.
Dr. Yusuf also added that the “love letters” would be policy briefs, longer papers, and books.
“Guests here are welcome to contribute a chapter if they wish, and we can include and publish it in the book to complement the existing writings,” he added.
The seminar featured key thinkers sharing their perspectives in two main sessions.
The first session included Professor Janianton Damanik, who discussed tourism policy during governmental transitions and how political and economic policy priorities might affect Indonesian tourism.
In line with the previous speaker, Professor Tarcicius Yoyok Wahyu Subroto reviewed challenges related to preservation and conservation needed at destinations with a robust economic growth paradigm.
Meanwhile, Professor Tri Kuntoro Priambodo addressed the dark side of digitalization, which has been lauded as a tool for tourism growth but also carries risks of cybercrime.
On another front, Professor Muhammad Baiquni reminded us of other real threats, such as climate change and its impacts on Indonesian tourism ecosystems, along with strategies for balanced management.
The second session featured Bobby Ardiyanto Setyo Adji, representing GIPI DIY, discussing the fragile state of the tourism industry in the face of globalization and market pressures.
He provided factual information on how the industry can continue to develop amidst these challenges.
Dr. Wiwik Sushartami also explored the gap between tourism education and industry needs and how to address this gap to meet industry challenges.
Dr. Dyah Widyastuti discussed the massive growth of tourism destinations trying to keep up with increasing demand, leading to uncontrolled growth and a lag in discussions on green tourism.
Dr. Hendrie Adji Kusworo concluded the session, emphasizing the importance of strengthening community roles in tourism development, observing how these roles are recognized, and how communities can become key players rather than mere spectators in driving Indonesian tourism.
Author: Agung Nugroho
Post-editor: Lintang