Tourism, culture key to jobs, Indonesia's deputy minister says

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Manpower Minister Afriansyah Noor said tourism and culture play a strategic role in creating jobs and improving public welfare, with the government strengthening workforce skills and entrepreneurship to support regional economic growth.

In a statement issued in Jakarta on Saturday, Noor said developing the tourism and cultural sectors could stimulate broader economic activity while delivering direct benefits to local communities.

"When culture, tourism, the creative economy and MSMEs (micro, small and medium enterprises) grow, job opportunities expand and public welfare improves," he said.

Noor said workforce development must advance alongside the development of each region's economic potential.

The Manpower Ministry is strengthening skills training tailored to tourism and creative industries, including hospitality, tour guiding, culinary services, event management and creative product design.

"We want local communities to become the main drivers of tourism in their own regions. Improving skills is essential so local workers can seize emerging economic opportunities," he said.

Besides developing a skilled workforce, the ministry is promoting entrepreneurship through training, business mentoring and productivity programs to help MSMEs expand into broader markets.

"MSMEs must move up the value chain. Local flagship products should compete not only domestically but also in international markets," Noor said.

He also stressed the importance of digital transformation and youth talent development to strengthen tourism and cultural promotion.

He said young people should be encouraged to become content creators, digital marketers and creative entrepreneurs capable of promoting regional attractions to global audiences.

Noor added that cultural festivals could also stimulate regional economies by boosting tourism and cultural activities.

He said the economic benefits generated by tourism and culture make both sectors important drivers of inclusive and sustainable development.

"Cultural festivals are more than entertainment. They create business opportunities, expand employment and improve public welfare," he said.

As reported earlier, in the first quarter of 2026, Indonesia obtained US$4.05 billion from tourism revenue, an increase of 6.30 percent compared to the same period last year.

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Translator: Arnidhya, Kenzu

Editor: Rahmad Nasution

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