Indonesian lawmakers push storytelling and creative economy for tourist villages

Lawmakers in Indonesia's House of Representatives (DPR) are advocating for enhanced storytelling and the development of the creative economy to significantly improve the competitiveness of the nation's tourist villages. This push comes as a recognition that natural landscapes and cultural heritage, while important, are not enough to attract and retain visitors.

During a working visit to Penglipuran Village in Bangli, Bali, DPR Commission VII members stressed the need for destinations to offer memorable experiences. They praised Penglipuran for its well-preserved environment, vibrant culture, and community-based management, but urged for continuous innovation to accommodate growing tourist numbers. The commission called upon the Ministry of Tourism and the Ministry of Creative Economy to bolster their support for these villages.

This support should encompass the development of creative economy products, targeted promotions, and capacity building for local human resources. The goal is to cultivate more competitive tourist villages that provide high-quality experiences, thereby strengthening Indonesia's position as a culturally rich tourism destination. Lawmakers highlighted that Indonesia's rich traditions and local wisdom are unique advantages that should be central to its tourism appeal.

Specific recommendations included strengthening promotion efforts for villages like Penglipuran by providing comprehensive information, such as flyers detailing the village's history and traditions. There was also a call to develop more distinctive creative economy products, moving beyond generic souvenirs to items that embody the village's story and cultural identity. The emphasis on storytelling is crucial, as modern tourists seek experiences and narratives to share.