Ecotourism Week 2024: A Look Back at Quality and Sustainability
Indonesia Ecotourism Fair and Explore Kalimantan Fair wrapped up a successful Ecotourism Week 2024, showcasing the best of Indonesian ecotourism from November 2-3 in Sarinah, Jakarta. The event was filled with enthusiasm by the presence of important figures, Mr. Vinsensius Jemadu, Deputy for Tourism Product Development and Event Organization, Indonesian Ministry of Tourism who officially opened the event. Along with the presence of Ms. Puspa Dewi Liman, Director of the Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) Kalimantan, Ms. Windy Prihastari, Chair of Dekranasda West Kalimantan, who also represented the Acting Governor of West Kalimantan, and Mr. Ary Suhandi, Director of INDECON.
Indonesia Ecotourism Fair 2024 (IEF 2024) stands as a pivotal event aimed at promoting sustainable tourism across the archipelago. This exhibition celebrated the collaborative efforts of Indonesian ecotourism operators and local communities. By prioritizing sustainability and innovative thinking, they have developed unique travel experiences that showcase the best of each destination while minimizing environmental impact.
This exhibition featured a diverse range of exhibits, each independently developed by different groups of the Indonesia Ecotourism Network, featuring CMC Tigawarna, Lembaga Pelestari Budaya Waerebo (LPBW), Badan Layanan Umum Daerah Unit Pelaksana Teknis Daerah (BLUD-UPTD) Raja Ampat, Badan Otorita Borobudur (BOB), Bojonegoro Tourism Department, East Kalimantan Tourism Department, Ecolodges Indonesia, Fauna & Flora Indonesia (FFI) Raja Ampat, Fauna & Flora Indonesia (FFI) Sorong, Indonesia Ecotourism Network (Indecon), Karya Rimbang Baling (Karimba), KERABAT, Lestari Mangrove dan Alam (LEVA), Malang Travelista, Ponggok Village, Safari Way Kambas, Taman Wisata Alam (TWA) Mangrove Angke Kapuk, Yayasan Konservasi Alam Nusantara (YKAN), Atourin, ERA Tour, Desma Center, Lingkar Temu Kabupaten Lestari (LTKL).
Indonesia Ecotourism Fair 2024 provided a dynamic platform for industry experts to engage in thoughtful discussions surrounding sustainable tourism practices. This year’s fair featured a series of sharing sessions where speakers from various sectors deliberated on methods to enhance community empowerment and promote environmentally conscious tourism. Visitors were able to gain valuable insights from panel discussions that explored innovative strategies and success stories from different regions.
Beyond the informative sessions, the fair also fostered an engaging atmosphere through interactive games and activities designed to educate visitors about the rich biodiversity of Indonesia. These activities served both as an entertainment and learning opportunity, enhancing understanding of the environmental challenges the country faces. Moreover, the excitement around the grand prize for a trip to the stunning Raja Ampat islands captivated huge wave of visitors. The blend of inspiration, education, and excitement transformed the Indonesia Ecotourism Fair 2024 into a memorable experience for everyone involved, reinforcing the importance of collective efforts in promoting sustainable practices and community engagement in tourism.
On the other side, Explore Kalimantan Fair (XKF) successfully presented the rich cultural heritage and sustainable potential of Kalimantan. Attracting over 3,500 attendees, INDECON, supported by TFCA (Tropical Forest Conservation Act), proactively showcased the beauty of Kalimantan through the Explore Kalimantan Fair (XKF) 2024. This event not only aimed to promote new tourist destinations but also to raise public awareness about the importance of preserving Kalimantan’s biodiversity and culture. The two-day event went beyond simply promoting new travel hotspots; it ignited a vital conversation about protecting Kalimantan’s unique biodiversity and rich cultural heritage. Visitors were immersed in the vibrant atmosphere of Borneo, exploring exhibitions featuring everything from exciting tour packages and innovative creative products to exquisite traditional textiles (wastra) and artistic performances.
The Explore Kalimantan Fair (XKF) 2024 offered a rich series of activities, inspiring talks and insightful discussions shared by cultural experts was one way to preserving traditions in a modern world. Our event was enriched by the presence of inspiring speakers, including Yulius Kelabo, Ati Bachtiar, Uke Tugimin, Wita Simatupang, Yokyok Hadiprakarsa, Alvian Supolyo, Arif Nugroho, Margaretha Mala, Mulyawan Karim, Mikael Tonso, Martin Anggo, Herman Simanjuntak, Samsiah Nawir, Jef, and Wulan Lauce. Visitors gained unique perspectives on Kalimantan’s heritage, exploring both traditional practices like the Dayak’s long ears and the complex issues of cultural preservation in the face of technological advancement. The first evening culminated with Kalimantan Cultural Night, featuring art performances by local Kalimantan groups based in Jakarta and delegations sent by the Kalimantan regional government. The second day highlighted the importance of youth engagement through a children’s wastra competition, designed to cultivate an early appreciation for Kalimantan’s unique tribal patterns. This event also filled with a demonstration of traditional weaving and tattooing by the Iban Dayak community of Kapuas Hulu, Using looms and natural dyes, these artisans demonstrated the process of making meaningful traditional woven fabrics and tattoos. XKF 2024 was made possible through a strong partnership between Tropical Forest Conservation Act (TFCA) Kalimantan supported by Yayasan KEHATI, the provincial and district governments of West Kalimantan, Berau, and Kapuas Hulu.
