Denpasar, August 31, 2024, The Europe Today: Indonesia’s Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno has announced plans to impose a moratorium on hotel construction and the conversion of agricultural land for commercial purposes in key tourist areas, as part of efforts to maintain quality tourism in Indonesia. The moratorium will particularly target overcrowded destinations, such as Bali’s southern region, to prevent overdevelopment and ensure sustainable tourism practices.
Speaking at the 1st International Quality Tourism Conference (IQTC) in Denpasar, Bali, on Friday, Minister Uno emphasized the need to address the risks of overdevelopment, which could lead to unsafe and uncomfortable conditions for visitors in certain Indonesian destinations. He highlighted that the government is in the final stages of drafting a policy aimed at curbing non-sustainable tourism accommodations.
“The government is finalizing a policy to address the potential for overdevelopment, which can create unsafe and uncomfortable conditions, particularly in certain Indonesian destinations,” Uno stated.
Although specific details of the policy were not disclosed, Minister Uno indicated that it would be discussed in a closed meeting with President Joko Widodo in the near future. The policy, once finalized, will be implemented in tourist destinations experiencing overcrowding and declining visitor satisfaction, with a particular focus on the southern region of Bali, including Denpasar, Badung, Gianyar, and Tabanan.
Minister Uno assured that the proposed moratorium would not interfere with the government’s target of increasing foreign tourist arrivals to 14 million in 2024. He also mentioned that the policy would undergo evaluation every three to six months to assess its effectiveness and make any necessary adjustments.
Data from the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) reveals that Indonesia currently has 29,005 classified hotels and lodgings, offering 747,066 rooms. Additionally, there are over 61,000 Airbnb listings in the country, with approximately 34,000 located in Bali alone.
Minister Uno’s initiative reflects the government’s commitment to balancing tourism growth with sustainability, ensuring that Indonesia remains a top destination for high-quality tourism while preserving its natural and cultural heritage.
