Sandiaga Uno Says 63 Percent of Tourist Visits Driven by Culinary Tourism

TEMPO.CO, Batam - Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno said that the domestic food industry is growing rapidly, leading to economic growth and increased employment opportunities.

He made the statement during a working visit to Batam City on Monday, January 1. During his visit, the minister checked out the culinary bazaar at I Hotel Nagoya and inaugurated Arch Alley Resto Batam.

“The government really appreciates this culinary bazaar in Batam, because culinary tourism is the reason for 63 percent of the Indonesian tourist visits,” he said.

“We collect data using big data analytics and AI that 63 percent [of Indonesian tourism] is driven by culinary tourism,” he said, adding that culinary is an established force, particularly in the city. 

Sandi pledged to continue providing empowerment training to culinary business players across the archipelago. He thus asked the provincial and city governments to continuously open access to capital for them. 

He highlighted that the food industry will be a leading sector in the future. In 2023 alone, total transactions and investments in the industry reached Rp210 trillion. “The food industry is already among the top 5 industries,” he said.

According to data from Batam City, the food industry grew by 97 percent, with turnover reaching Rp600 billion per year. “This is the right momentum, we hope to use the spirit of 3G: move fast, move together, and move forward, working on all potentials to create jobs,” he said.

Sandiaga Uno also said the government expects to create 4.4 million jobs in the food industry this year through training and empowerment.

YOGI EKA SAHPUTRA

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