The Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday, October 2, approved the third amendment to Law No. 10 of 2009 concerning tourism to be enacted into law.
The revised legislation focuses on inclusive and sustainable tourism development, strengthening provisions for community-based tourism and the development of tourism villages, and creating a legal framework that adapts to the digital era and new tourism models.
It also provides legal certainty to address global trends in the tourism sector, including disaster mitigation, and authorises the government to collect levies from international tourists to support tourism development. The law further highlights cultural diplomacy and promotion based on local traditions.
Saleh Partaonan Daulay, chairman of Commission VII of DPR, said the law reconstructed the philosophical foundation of national tourism. “Tourism was previously viewed merely as the utilisation of resources; now it is positioned as an instrument for civilisation development, strengthening national identity, and (bringing human rights) into travelling (activities).”
Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, minister of tourism, stated the new law would serve as the legal foundation for developing quality, inclusive, adaptive, innovative, and sustainable tourism. “This revision is expected to address the major challenges facing our tourism sector, ranging from environmental degradation, limited accessibility, low human resource skills, to minimal economic benefits for local communities. Tourism must be seen as a driving force for the economy as well as an instrument for civilisational development.”
She added that the revised law would provide legal certainty while setting the direction for more systematic and adaptive tourism development.
The legislation will now be submitted to president Prabowo Subianto for ratification.
