Iran and Indonesia Leverage Tourism to Strengthen Diplomatic Relations

Iran and Indonesia have a unique opportunity to enhance their relationship by focusing on tourism cooperation. This sentiment was expressed by Dedi Ahmad Kurnia, the assistant deputy for international tourism marketing at Indonesia’s Ministry of Tourism, during an insightful interview with the Tehran Times.

Kurnia highlighted the historical and cultural ties between the two nations as a solid foundation for collaborative initiatives. He emphasized that by facilitating access, strengthening media exchanges, and developing joint tourism packages, both countries can expand their cooperation and shape future relations.

Historical and Cultural Background

During the interview, Kurnia reflected on the deep-rooted historical connections between Iran and Indonesia:

“I have heard that even during the reign of the Minangkabau Kingdom, there were close relations between the land of Persia and Indonesia. This cultural and historical closeness is a valuable asset for us that can be revived in a new form in the modern era.”

He continued to emphasize the significance of their shared history:

“History is full of common points between the two countries. These similarities themselves are a golden opportunity for initiating broader cooperation. From this shared past, we can build frameworks for future cooperation in the fields of culture, economy, and tourism.”

Tourism as a Tool for Understanding and Peace

Kurnia underscored the role of tourism beyond mere economic activity:

“We believe tourism can be an effective tool for global peace. When nations get to know each other closely and understand one another’s cultural values, the ground is prepared for reducing misunderstandings and increasing global solidarity.”

With their rich histories and cultures, Iran and Indonesia have the potential to present a model of peace and friendship through tourism on an international scale.

Challenges and Future Prospects

However, Kurnia acknowledged the obstacles that lie ahead in developing tourism between the two nations:

“Certain issues such as security, regulatory reforms, or updates to immigration laws remain challenges that require dialogue and joint cooperation.”

Fortunately, he shared promising news regarding Indonesia’s Ministry of Immigration:

“The Ministry of Immigration in Indonesia is operating as an independent body, and this is promising for further facilitation in the process of foreign tourists’ entry.”

Kurnia explained how Indonesia is working to streamline the tourist entry process through digital innovations:

“Today, some countries, including ASEAN members and about 60 to 70 other countries, benefit from special entry facilities. We hope that in the near future, Iranian tourists will also be able to travel to Indonesia with greater ease.”

Joint Tourism Packages: From Idea to Implementation

One of the immediate steps to foster cooperation is through joint tourism packages:

“We can invite Iranian journalists to help introduce Indonesia’s attractions in Iranian media. Similarly, inviting Iranian tour operators for field visits to Indonesia’s tourism destinations can create a direct ground for cooperation between tourism industry stakeholders of the two countries.”

Kurnia expressed optimism about the potential formation of joint tours:

“Following these exchanges, Iranian and Indonesian companies can collaborate to design joint travel packages. These packages may include Iranians traveling to Indonesia or Indonesians traveling to Iran, thus contributing to the sustainable development of bilateral tourism.”

The Media: A Bridge Between Nations

The role of media in tourism promotion and mutual understanding cannot be underestimated:

“Whether digital media or traditional ones such as print and websites, they can serve as important tools of cooperation. Through content exchange, publication of reports, and showcasing attractions, we can enhance the familiarity of people from both countries.”

This media collaboration can significantly boost tourist interest and strengthen cultural ties between Iran and Indonesia.

Indonesia’s Resilience During the Pandemic

Kurnia also shared insights on Indonesia’s experience during the COVID-19 pandemic:

“The pandemic brought severe stagnation to the tourism industry across the world. But Indonesia managed to begin recovery earlier than many other countries.”

He attributed this success to the strategies of the former Minister of Tourism, Sandiaga Uno, who emphasized:

• Adaptation
• Innovation
• Collaboration

These principles enabled Indonesia to navigate the crisis effectively.

Focus on Domestic Tourism and Digital Innovation

Kurnia noted that two crucial factors contributed to Indonesia’s tourism recovery:

1. Health Standards: Special attention to health protocols.
2. Domestic Tourism: A focus on local tourists helped revive the economy sooner.

Moreover, he highlighted how digital innovation opened new avenues for tourism development.

Connecting Culture and Nature in Indonesia

In concluding the interview, Kurnia discussed the relationship between geography and culture in Indonesia:

“Indonesia is a country whose cultures have been strongly shaped by nature. People living near the sea have a culture different from those who live in mountainous regions.”

This cultural diversity makes Indonesia a unique destination for tourists, especially in comparison to Iran’s varied climates:

“You mentioned that you were born in a region of Iran where winters bring snow and freezing weather. For us who live on the equator, this is a completely different experience.”

Conclusion

In closing, Kurnia reiterated the importance of fostering cooperation between Iran and Indonesia:

“We believe Iran and Indonesia, by utilizing their shared history and culture, innovative tourism packages, and media cooperation, can build stable and profound relations. Such relations will not only benefit the peoples of both nations but can also serve as a model for the world in employing tourism as a tool for peace and coexistence.”