VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Tourism sector in Indonesia keeps receiving serious attention from the government, because the contribution of this sector in state revenue also keeps increasing. Tourism integrated with creative industries can be an amazing attraction and good competitiveness. Both of them are inseparable, because they support one another. Therefore, awareness and commitment need to be built to advance both sectors. The progress of these two sectors is very positive in increasing the country's foreign exchange. Indonesia, which is rich in cultural diversity and natural attractions, can be a magnet for foreign tourists. The natural beauty and excellent service from the creative industry sector can make tourists stay longer and in the end, they can spend more money for shopping, too.

Creative industry development in one region can create tourism attractions. This was said by Director of Inter-Institutional Relations of the Creative Economy Agency (Bekraf), Hassan Abud. The regional government has mapped the needs of creative industry. One of them is West Java provincial government which has grouped the potential of creative industries spread across 27 regencies / cities, such as the rattan industry center in Cirebon, the bamboo industry center in Tasikmalaya, and the performing arts in Karawang. Yogyakarta, Bali, Riau, Surabaya and Banyuwangi are also considered ready. The holding of 99 festivals to attract tourists and make tourists stay longer in Banyuwangi proves that creativity can drive the tourism sector.

Besides, the Banyuwangi government has made the location of the agro-tourism park, Taman Suruh at the base of Mt. Ijen for the 'Agro Expo Festival' as a tourism destination every weekend. Economic activity takes place in line with the increasing number of domestic and foreign tourists to Banyuwangi. Another region that also benefits from tourism activities is North Sulawesi. In 2015, there were 20 thousand foreign tourists visiting this area and by 2018, this number had risen to 120 thousand. This year, North Sulawesi holds 14 main activities in 15 cities and regencies.

Therefore, the tourism sector and the creative industry must synergize in creating a variety of interesting activities and innovative products that can be competitive. Certainly, the tourism potential and distinctive culture owned by each region must be preserved and demonstrated to both domestic and foreign tourists. In the end, every region both in cities and regencies throughout Indonesia can become a favorite tourism destination.