Indonesia Develops Gastronomic Tourism through MSMEs to Strengthen Local Economies
Nusa Dua, The Gulf Observer: Indonesia is advancing the development of gastronomic tourism centered on micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to enhance economic potential and broaden market opportunities, Minister of Cooperatives and MSMEs Maman Abdurrahman announced on Friday.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 2025 International Conference on Tourism, Gastronomy, and Tourist Destinations (TGDIC) in Nusa Dua, Bali, the minister highlighted that the government will prioritize the growth of tourist villages as focal points for culinary-based tourism. “We will focus on developing and growing tourist villages,” he said, noting that Indonesia currently has around 6,156 villages with strong potential for gastronomic tourism through pilot and priority programs.
Abdurrahman emphasized that gastronomy, closely linked to culinary arts, plays a vital role in tourism promotion, with the culinary sector contributing approximately 41 percent to Indonesia’s creative economy Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He added that both the culinary and tourism sectors are largely driven by MSMEs, which serve as the backbone of the national economy.
To strengthen regional economies and attract more visitors, the minister underscored the importance of using locally sourced ingredients, ensuring hygienic and innovative dishes, incorporating cultural narratives, and leveraging digital platforms for promotion.
He further explained that the government continues to support MSMEs through training programs on hygiene, packaging, and certification — including halal standards — as well as business mentoring, digital marketing assistance, and gastronomic incubation in regional culinary hubs.
Abdurrahman also noted that the People’s Business Credit (KUR) program has expanded capital access to the tourism sector, with Rp300 trillion (approximately US$18 billion) allocated in 2025. As of October 6, Rp206.2 trillion had been disbursed to 3.5 million borrowers.
Fetty Asmaniati, Rector of the Trisakti Tourism Institute, expressed strong support for the government’s initiatives to accelerate the development of tourist villages through mentoring, education, and innovation. She highlighted that MSMEs have successfully developed 15 tourist villages in Java and Sumatra.
“We in the education sector aim to promote tourism, gastronomy, and tourist destinations, contributing to the advancement of Indonesia’s cultural and culinary attractions,” Asmaniati stated.
