Tourism for Peace: From Scenic Landscapes to Social Harmony

“The workforce generates income and economic growth, and a stable economy will create peace,” stated Indonesian Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno in August, taking a nod on this year’s World Tourism Day theme, Tourism and Peace.

Starting with WISATA Program in 2009, Swisscontact has been supporting Indonesian government in building lasting impacts in developing tourism destination, and later, education. It was then followed by the Sustainable Tourism Destination Development (SUSTOUR) and Sustainable Tourism Education Development (STED) projects in 2018. In 2024, while SUSTOUR is concluded, STED commenced its second phase as a part of the Swiss Skills for Competitiveness (SS4C) program, continuing the focus on skills development. These initiatives are made possible with the support from the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO).

Over the years, these initiatives have contributed to improving local economy and communities, while also promote peaceful, mutual understanding through cultural exchanges.

Wae Lolos, a tourism village in Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara Province, has experienced this first-hand. Also known as the Village of a Thousand Waterfalls, the mountainous Wae Lolos is an hour drive away from the fishing town of Labuan Bajo, which is listed in the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy (MoTCE)’s 5 Super Premium Destinations program.

Kety, a member of the community-based tourism village group, highlighted how SUSTOUR’s assistance has led the way for the community to find its north star to fulfil their land’s natural and cultural potentials. One of them is Kepok, a welcoming ceremony performed by local elders adorned in traditional cloths, to pay respect to the guests as they arrive from far and wide. Women from the village would weave the cloths with materials they source locally, and wear them or sell them as souvenirs.

“As my village opens up its doors, I get to meet new people, learn new things from them, and carry the new understanding into my future,” said Kety. “With that opportunity, I hope my village can sustain itself as a community-based tourism destination, as we grow more prosperous and make poverty a thing of the past,” she added.

The hopeful boost for a more stable local economy also rings true in Kahianga Village, Wakatobi Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province.

“Previously, our average monthly sales used to be between 2 to 3 million rupiahs (112-168 CHF). After we received coaching and training in 2021, there is a significant increase of sales up to 12 million rupiahs (672 CHF), and so is the market demand,” noted Hamzain, Head of the Kahianga Village Bambu Kreatif (creative bamboo) artisan handicraft group.

Economic growth is not the only highlight of Swisscontact’s works on tourism in Indonesia. Among WISATA’s key achievements from its works in four tourism destinations from 2009 to 2018 is a surge in international arrivals by 65.3%. The program also saw an improved perceptions of key local stakeholders on tourism by almost 24%, noting the growing understanding how community-based tourism contributes to the locals’ livelihood, as they learn to welcome visitors who are interested in what they have to offer.

This also corresponds to the importance of inclusive growth for peacebuilding through tourism, in which the STED project has played a crucial role. Aimed to contribute towards a better qualified workforce with relevant skills by supporting the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, the project saw an increase in graduates’ full-time and self-employment from 61% in 2021 to 71% in 2023.

The implementation of industry-based learning (IBL) model, piloted by STED in 2023, was instrumental in achieving the project’s key results. Through the IBL program, STED facilitated the collaboration between the Lombok Tourism Polytechnic and the Novotel hotel chain in Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara Province, for a program to provide students with hands-on learning time, moving their practicum venue from the campus labs to the workplace during the semester. Fifteen Lombok Tourism Polytechnic students participated in the inaugural batch, and the benefits from industry exposure was noteworthy among themselves and their lecturers alike.

“The experience I gained was very valuable, because what happened was the real-life work situation. The seniors I met at work were also generous with their insights,” said Samuel, an IBL program participant.

Muhammad Husni, a Lombok Tourism Polytechnic lecturer, agrees. “The IBL program has many benefits for students. They can better understand the working conditions and the atmosphere of the industry, which would prevent them from experiencing work culture shock upon starting their on-the-job training,” he said.

Throughout the years of implementing tourism in Indonesia, Swisscontact sees how inclusive growth and improved social cohesion drive the peacebuilding efforts through tourism. However, there are more aspects to be considered in the future, such as the risks of conflicts caused by climate crisis, and climate threats to decent job opportunities.

To anticipate this, the SS4C Program has initiated green skills development activities, especially in the tourism sector through tourism polytechnics under Indonesia’s MoTCE. By greening the tourism skills, Indonesia’s workforce will increase their competitiveness by adapting to climate crisis.

“Green skills are essential in education for developing a sustainable tourism and hospitality industry that fosters peace and harmony. By teaching future professionals to focus on sustainability, we help build a global effort where tourism supports protecting the environment and appreciating cultures,” said Putri Rizkiyah, Head of Center of Research and Community Service at Lombok Tourism Polytechnic.

“As we celebrate World Tourism Day, embracing green skills ensures that tourism not only thrives economically but also strengthens global peace through responsible and eco-conscious practices. With green skills, we're not just shaping out career in tourism, we are building a sustainable world where business thrives, nature grow and peaceful living together,” she concluded.