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🇮🇩 Indonesia /Culture & Society

Bukit Peramun Village Targets Malaysian, Singaporean Tourists with Community-Based Ecotourism

From Republika · () Indonesian

Translated from Indonesian, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Residents of Bukit Peramun village in Belitung, Indonesia, are promoting community-based ecotourism focused on digital forest experiences.
  • The initiative aims to attract international tourists, particularly from Malaysia and Singapore, by showcasing the area's natural beauty combined with technology.
  • The program has seen a steady increase in both domestic and international visitor numbers, boosting the local economy while emphasizing environmental conservation.

In an effort to diversify tourism beyond Belitung's famed beaches, the community of Bukit Peramun village is pioneering a unique digital forest ecotourism model. Managed by the Arsel Forest Community Group (HKm), this initiative blends the natural allure of the forest with technological innovation, offering visitors a distinct experience.

The program has begun to attract international attention, with a recent familiarization trip organized by Bakti BCA and the Indonesian Travel Agents Association (Astindo) bringing tourism industry professionals from Singapore and Malaysia to witness Bukit Peramun's unique offerings firsthand. This strategic move is designed to significantly increase foreign tourist arrivals. Official data indicates a consistent rise in international visitors, growing from 387 in 2023 to 485 in 2025, alongside a notable surge in domestic tourism, from 1,356 in 2024 to 1,648 last year.

Hera F. Haryn, EVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, highlighted the collaboration's goal: connecting local village managers directly with international travel agents. "We believe this village has high potential in the international market if supported with the right access and promotion," Haryn stated. The initiative aims not only to boost international visitor numbers but also to generate tangible economic benefits for the local community while upholding environmental conservation principles.

During their visit, the international travel professionals trekked through the forest, learned about endemic herbal plants, and participated in tree adoption activities. A key highlight was the "Virtual Assistance & Kenali Pohon (KePo)" application, a local innovation allowing visitors to identify flora using their mobile devices. The tour concluded with sunset views from Batu Kembar and Batu Ampar, local culinary experiences, and a night excursion to observe the endemic tarsier. Industry players from Malaysia and Singapore are expected to develop attractive tour packages based on this experience, further solidifying Bukit Peramun's global standing as a premier ecotourism destination.

We believe this village has high potential in the international market if supported with the right access and promotion.

— Hera F. HarynEVP of Corporate Communication & Social Responsibility at BCA, explaining the potential of Bukit Peramun for international tourism.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Republika in Indonesian. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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