As the global community commemorates International Biodiversity Day on the 22nd of May, it is imperative to critically examine the intricate relationship between Indonesia’s ambitious tourism goals and the imperative of safeguarding its irreplaceable natural heritage.
Indonesia, an archipelago of unparalleled natural beauty and cultural richness, stands at a critical juncture in its developmental trajectory. The burgeoning tourism sector, a significant contributor to the national economy, presents both immense opportunities and considerable challenges, particularly when viewed through the lens of its extraordinary biodiversity.
Indonesia’s natural capital is, without exaggeration, a global treasure. Spanning diverse ecosystems from the verdant rainforests of Sumatra and Kalimantan to the coral reefs of Raja Ampat and the volcanic landscapes of Java and Bali, the archipelago harbours a staggering array of flora and fauna, many of which are endemic and found nowhere else on Earth. This biodiversity is not merely an aesthetic asset; it underpins vital ecosystem services, including climate regulation, water purification, and pollination, which are fundamental to human well-being and economic stability.
The Indonesian government has rightly identified tourism as a key driver of economic growth, job creation, and regional development. The strategic development of tourism infrastructure, the promotion of iconic destinations, and the diversification of tourism offerings are all crucial components of national economic policy. However, the rapid expansion of tourism, if not carefully managed and strategically aligned with conservation objectives, carries inherent risks to Indonesia’s biodiversity. Uncontrolled development can lead to habitat destruction, pollution, increased pressure on natural resources, and the disruption of delicate ecological balances.
A warning and an opportunity
The current global trends in travel and tourism offer both a warning and an opportunity for Indonesia. There is a growing global consciousness regarding environmental sustainability and responsible travel. Tourists are increasingly seeking authentic experiences that are not only enriching but also have a minimal negative impact on the environment and local communities.
Fortunately, Indonesia is well-positioned to capitalise on this growing demand for sustainable tourism. Its natural and cultural assets provide a compelling foundation for developing high-value, low-impact tourism experiences. However, as highlighted in recent research of 2025 published in the Journal of Sustainable Communities, there are challenges in accurately measuring the contribution of nature-based tourism to national GDP, and there’s a need to carefully analyse the potential negative impacts of tourism on local communities. Realising this potential requires a fundamental re-evaluation of current approaches and a firm commitment to integrating biodiversity conservation into the core of tourism development strategies.
At the policy level, the Indonesian government has a crucial role to play in establishing clear and robust regulations that govern tourism development in and around areas of high biodiversity. This includes stringent environmental impact assessments for tourism projects, effective zoning regulations to protect sensitive ecosystems, and the enforcement of environmental laws. Furthermore, national tourism policies should explicitly prioritise sustainability and biodiversity conservation as integral objectives, not merely as peripheral considerations.
Indonesia’s commitment to the tourism sector and its growing international standing are further underscored by its role as the host of the UN Tourism 37th CAP-CSA Joint Commission Meeting in Jakarta from the 15th until the 16th of April, 2025. This significant annual gathering for the UN Tourism Commissions for East Asia and the Pacific (CAP) and South Asia (CSA) provides a vital platform for regional collaboration and the discussion of critical issues shaping the future of tourism, including sustainability.
Concurrently, the tourism industry itself must embrace a paradigm shift towards sustainability. This involves adopting best practices in environmental management, investing in green technologies, and actively engaging in conservation efforts. Hotels, resorts, tour operators, and other tourism stakeholders should prioritise minimising their environmental footprint and maximising their positive contributions to local communities and biodiversity conservation. This can include supporting local conservation initiatives, employing local guides and staff, and sourcing local and sustainable products.
A critical pillar
Community engagement is another critical pillar of sustainable tourism development. Local communities often hold invaluable traditional knowledge about the local environment and play a crucial role in its conservation. It is essential to implement effective redistribution policies that empower local communities, ensuring they benefit directly from tourism revenues. Empowering local communities to participate in tourism planning and management, ensuring that they benefit directly from tourism revenues, and respecting their cultural heritage are essential for building long-term sustainability and social equity.
Indonesia’s national policies, such as the emphasis on developing ‘priority tourism destinations’ beyond Bali, present both opportunities and challenges for biodiversity conservation. While diversification can help to alleviate pressure on over-touristed areas, it is crucial that the development of these new destinations adheres to the highest standards of environmental sustainability from the outset. Furthermore, the integration of technology can play a significant role in promoting sustainable tourism and biodiversity conservation. Digital platforms can be used to provide tourists with information on responsible travel practices, monitor environmental impacts, and connect travellers with sustainable tourism operators and community-based initiatives.
The celebration of International Biodiversity Day serves as a timely reminder of the intrinsic value of Indonesia’s natural heritage and the urgent need to protect it. By recognising the symbiotic relationship between a thriving tourism sector and a healthy environment, Indonesia can chart a course towards a future where tourism becomes a powerful force for conservation and sustainable development. This requires a concerted effort from the government, the tourism industry, local communities, and tourists themselves.
Moving forward, Indonesia should prioritise the development of a national sustainable tourism strategy that explicitly integrates biodiversity conservation as a core principle. This strategy should outline clear targets, indicators, and monitoring mechanisms to ensure that tourism development contributes to, rather than detracts from the nation’s biodiversity goals.
In conclusion…
The path to a prosperous and sustainable tourism future for Indonesia lies in recognising and actively nurturing the symbiotic relationship between its extraordinary biodiversity and its tourism ambitions. By embracing a paradigm of responsible and regenerative tourism, Indonesia can not only safeguard its invaluable natural heritage for future generations but also enhance the quality and appeal of its tourism offerings in an increasingly environmentally conscious global market.
This opinion piece was written by Taufiq Ihsan, an assistant professor at the Environmental Engineering Department of Universitas Andalas, Indonesia. Any opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Indonesia Expat.