The Ministry of Tourism (Kemenpar), in collaboration with Garuda Indonesia, the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia (KJRI) in Sydney, and the Consulate General of the Republic of Indonesia in Melbourne, is holding the 2025 Australia–Indonesia Educational Familiarization Trip (Famtrip).
This activity is a strategic step to promote and strengthen Indonesia’s position as a leading destination in the international educational tourism market, especially for Australian tourists.
The Deputy for Marketing at the Ministry of Tourism, Ni Made Ayu Marthini, stated in a statement in Jakarta on Saturday (10/18/2025) that the activity, themed “Archipelago Gems: Islands of Ancient Souls,” took place from October 15–20, 2025, and was attended by 15 famtrip participants from educational institutions, travel agents, and educational associations in Australia.
“We hope this activity can strengthen Indonesia’s position in the Australian market’s mind, not only as a holiday destination, but also as a safe, comfortable, and relevant educational tourism destination for young Australian tourists,” said Made.
The famtrip participants were representatives from Indo Insider Tours, Travelku, Special Travel, Southern Christian College, Way to Australia and Beyond, Trip.com, Day Dream Luxury Travel, Crusoe Secondary College, University of Tasmania, University of Technology Sydney/Australia Indonesia Association (AIA), Point Cook P-9 College, Australian Indonesian Youth Association (AIYA), Burwood Girls High School, Launceston Christian School, and Macarthur Anglican School.
“This famtrip is a strategic step in supporting the target of 1,800,000 Australian tourists and encouraging the spread of visits through two main gateways, namely Bali and Jakarta, as Indonesian tourism hubs,” said Made.
He explained that the famtrip activity was a follow-up to the Educational Business Matching activity and a series of educational tourism promotions for 2025. Participants were divided into two travel groups based on the destinations visited.
The first group of nine participants traveled to Yogyakarta and Jakarta, while the second group of six participants continued their journey from Yogyakarta to Bali.
In Yogyakarta, all participants from both groups enjoyed a comfortable stay at the culturally rich Tentrem Hotel and experienced firsthand educational and cultural destinations, including a visit to Borobudur Temple on the “Borobudur Trail of Civilization” tour, an exploration of the Ullen Sentalu Museum and the Sonobudoyo Museum, and cultural activities at the Wukirsari Tourism Village.
During these activities, participants participated in storytelling and batik-making activities, and received in-depth explanations from English-speaking tour guides.
This provided an immersive and interactive learning experience about local culture. Participants also had the opportunity to meet with local stakeholders such as the Provincial Tourism Office, the local tourism industry, and representatives from three tourism villages: Wukirsari, Pentingsari, and Krebet, at a networking dinner at the Marriott Yogyakarta.
Made explained that the first group then traveled to Jakarta on October 18–20, 2025. In Jakarta, participants attended a herbal medicine workshop held at Acaraki, a cultural and culinary space that combines traditional heritage with a contemporary approach.
“In addition, participants were invited to visit the National Museum, take a walking tour of Jakarta’s Old Town, participate in a workshop at the Wayang Museum, and enjoy a stay at Morrissey Jakarta,” he said.
Meanwhile, the second group departed for Bali and participated in a series of activities highlighting the natural and cultural richness of East Bali.
They explored Karangasem, visited the Samsara Living Museum, and experienced local life at the Taro Tourism Village, which offered a firefly night attraction and various other cultural activities.
This famtrip is expected to be a concrete step in expanding access and exposure to Indonesia as a quality educational tourism destination, while strengthening bilateral cooperation in the education and tourism sectors between Indonesia and Australia.
“The Ministry of Tourism will continue to encourage similar programs in the future through integrated promotional strategies, partnerships with stakeholders, and maximizing the potential of education-based tourism,” Made said.
