*) By: Andi Mahesa
In the midst of efforts to grow the national economy, the tourism sector is one of the main driving forces in this economic growth. Tourism not only plays a role as a source of foreign exchange for the country, but also has a major impact on other sectors, especially MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises). The government has realized the importance of the tourism sector in driving the growth of MSMEs, and various policies and initiatives have been implemented to support this ecosystem.
One of the important steps taken by the government is to strengthen the synergy between the tourism sector and MSMEs. This collaboration has proven to be very effective in increasing the competitiveness of MSMEs in both local and global markets. According to Ni Luh Enik, Deputy Minister of Tourism, the government must bridge the tourism sector and MSMEs, to ensure that both can support each other in driving economic growth. MSMEs engaged in culinary, crafts, or lodging can take advantage of the flow of tourists to introduce their local products.
For example, many MSMEs in popular tourist areas such as Bali, Yogyakarta, and Lombok directly benefit from tourist visits. Local products such as traditional foods, handicrafts, and accommodation services are increasingly known abroad thanks to promotions carried out by the tourism sector. Government programs such as Bakti Desa and the Tourism Village Program have provided incentives for local MSMEs to develop their products and services, as well as facilitated training for MSME actors so that they are ready to compete in the tourism market.
Collaboration between the government, tourism industry players, and MSMEs is also seen in the development of new tourist destinations. Many previously unknown areas are now potential tourist destinations, such as in Sumatra, Kalimantan, and Sulawesi. The development of infrastructure that supports these new destinations immediately opens up opportunities for local MSMEs to develop their businesses.
The use of digital technology is also a key factor in the development of MSMEs in the tourism sector. The government also sees great potential in digitalization to support MSMEs in marketing their products and reaching wider consumers. One of the concrete steps taken by the government is through the 100 Smart Cities and Digital Tourism programs that facilitate MSMEs to use digital platforms to market their products and services. In recent years, more and more MSMEs have utilized social media, marketplaces, and digital applications to promote their businesses. This allows them to expand their market reach not only domestically, but also to the international market.
According to Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, digital technology is an important tool to accelerate economic recovery, including for the MSME sector in the tourism industry. With digital support, MSME players can more easily access global markets, introduce local products, and increase competitiveness. The digital training program held by the Ministry of Tourism is one way the government helps MSMEs adapt to the needs of an increasingly digital market.
Then, Community-based tourism development becomes an important strategy in integrating MSMEs into the tourism ecosystem. This program aims to ensure that the economic benefits of the tourism sector can be felt directly by local communities, including MSME actors. This concept also supports sustainable tourism management, where local communities play a role in designing, managing, and developing tourist destinations.
In practice, community-based tourism development prioritizes local potential and culture as tourist attractions. The government through the Ministry of Tourism encourages the establishment of tourist villages that involve MSMEs in providing local products such as culinary, crafts, and cultural experiences. One successful example is the Penglipuran Tourism Village in Bali, which has succeeded in integrating local communities in tourism development while encouraging local MSMEs to grow.
The presence of tourists coming to this tourist village has a positive impact on MSMEs, because local products are increasingly known and in demand. In addition, the development of community-based tourism also opens up opportunities for MSMEs to increase the capacity and quality of their products, which ultimately increases the competitiveness and welfare of local communities.
This is certainly supported by the Deputy Chairperson of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Chusnunia Chalim, who highlighted the importance of strengthening the tourism sector and the creative industry as a national economic growth strategy. Nuni emphasized how traditional cultural products such as songket can be a tourist attraction, but must continue to innovate to follow market trends.
Nuni also emphasized the importance of synergy between the government, business actors, and educational institutions in supporting the development of national tourism. With targeted policies, it is hoped that the development of a tourism-based economy and the creative industry can provide sustainable benefits for local communities.
The development of Indonesia’s tourism sector cannot be separated from the development of MSMEs. With good collaboration between the government, tourism industry players, and local communities, the tourism sector can become the main driver of inclusive economic growth. Through the use of digital technology, development of tourist villages, and government support for MSMEs, it is hoped that the tourism sector can continue to contribute to driving the Indonesian economy in a better direction.
As a society, we must support every step taken by the government in strengthening the tourism sector, because this is the key to creating jobs, strengthening MSMEs, and improving shared prosperity. With inclusive and sustainable tourism, we are not only building the economy, but also building a more prosperous future for all Indonesian people.
*) The author is a student who lives in Jakarta.