West Java Selects Mosque and Rest Area as Muslim-Friendly Tourism Pilot Projects

West Java Province is pioneering international Muslim-friendly tourism by designating the Km 88 highway rest area and the At-Thohir Mosque in Depok City as pilot projects. This initiative aims to enhance tourism infrastructure to meet global Muslim-friendly standards.

"Tourism today cannot be managed in the old way, but must be built with strong data, appropriate policies, broad collaboration, and an inclusive approach," stated West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan. He emphasized the province's large Muslim population (97 percent) and the urgency to revamp tourism management to attract international travelers, especially from Malaysia, Singapore, and the Middle East.

The provincial government is leveraging data from the National Tourism Development Index (IPKN) to map tourism investments accurately. The Head of the West Java Department of Tourism and Culture, Iendra Sofyan, announced that the selection aligns with the launch of the Smiling West Java-Muslim Friendly Tourism (SWJ-MFT) Award 2026 and the publication of the IPKN achievements.

The Km 88 Rest Area will focus on standardizing prayer facilities and rigorously curating halal culinary offerings. Masjid At-Thohir is slated to become a major religious tourism attraction through digital service enhancements. The SWJ-MFT Award 2026 also includes a competition for Muslim-friendly standards across eight operational categories, aiming to expand the ecosystem through intensive hospitality training and workshops.