Jakarta, August 29, 2025
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana kicked off the “Wonderful Indonesia Awards” as a form of appreciation for actors, managers, and stakeholders who have made significant contributions to advancing Indonesia’s tourism sector.
In her remarks at the “Virtual Kick-Off of the Wonderful Indonesia Awards” in Jakarta on Friday (August 29, 2025), the Minister of Tourism stated that the “Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2025” is not only an appreciation event but also a concrete reflection of our shared journey in advancing Indonesia’s tourism sector.
“We recognize that the face of global tourism continues to change. Tourists now demand a more comprehensive experience, from cleanliness and safety to consistent service to environmental responsibility,” said the Minister.
The “Wonderful Indonesia Awards” (WIA) is designed to address these challenges with the principles of quality, sustainability, and collaboration.
These awards cover various aspects of tourism, from leadership and institutions, destinations and attractions, industry and investment, revenue generation, event management, and governance.
Each category not only provides recognition but also serves as a benchmark for new standards that can be replicated throughout Indonesia.
“We hope this event can bridge ongoing initiatives, such as strengthening tourist villages and the clean destination movement, with the new needs of the tourism industry: a green transition, superior service, and economic equality. We hope each award will trigger concrete actions, including better-organized tourist villages, responsible attractions, environmentally friendly hotels and homestays, clean toilets as a benchmark for service, and a creative, international-standard events industry,” said Minister of Tourism Widiyanti.
Hariyanto, Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Tourism, added that the kick-off for the “Wonderful Indonesia Awards 2025” was attended by 38 governors or their representatives, 514 Regents/Mayors, and representatives of strategic partners from across Indonesia.
This year’s “Wonderful Indonesia Awards” comprises 10 award categories, including tourism villages, tourist attractions, tourism awareness groups (Pokdarwis), clean toilets at tourist attractions, green hotels, inspirational figures, local heroes, key figures in the events industry, green events, and awards for collaborative partners.
“All these award categories reflect that tourism is a joint movement involving the government, the public, the business world, communities, and other strategic partners,” said Hariyanto.
According to Hariyanto, this kick-off is an important step to strengthen commitment and build a spirit of collaboration among all stakeholders.
“We also want to ensure that this event is not just an award, but a momentum to strengthen Indonesia’s quality, inclusive, and sustainable tourism ecosystem,” he said.
