Kupang, August 1, 2026 – The Regional Executive Board of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies of East Nusa Tenggara (DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur/DPD ASITA NTT) has expressed its full support for the preparation of the Kupang Regency Tourism Development Master Plan (RIPPARDA) 2026–2030, recognizing it as a strategic foundation for developing a high-quality, sustainable tourism sector that generates long-term benefits for local communities.
The commitment was conveyed during the Focus Group Discussion (FGD) on the Preparation of the Kupang Regency Tourism Development Master Plan 2026–2030, held in Oelamasi on 30 July 2026. The discussion brought together representatives of the Kupang Regency Government, academics, tourism business associations, and key tourism stakeholders, including DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara, the Indonesian Tourist Guides Association (HPI) NTT, and the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) NTT.
Representing the Regent of Kupang, Acting Assistant for General Administration of the Kupang Regency Secretariat, Juhardi D. Selan, emphasized that tourism development is a shared responsibility based on the Pentahelix collaboration model, involving government, business, academia, communities, and the media. He explained that the Tourism Master Plan will serve as the primary framework for planning, managing, and directing tourism development in Kupang Regency while aligning local strategies with the Provincial Tourism Master Plan and Indonesia’s National Tourism Development Master Plan.
Kupang Regency possesses significant tourism assets, ranging from natural and cultural attractions to man-made destinations. Landmark projects such as the Timau National Observatory in Amfoang and the planned Christ Statue on Hansisi Hill, Semau Island, are expected to become new tourism icons capable of increasing visitor arrivals and contributing to regional economic growth.
The Chairman of the DPD ASITA NTT, Oyan Kristian, who was represented by Jony Rohi as Deputy Chairman 3 who was present at the meeting, said that the DPD ASITA NTT welcomed the steps taken by the Kupang Regency Government in compiling the RIPPARDA as a strategic document that will be the direction of regional tourism development for the next five years.
“A Tourism Development Master Plan is far more than a planning document—it is the foundation that shapes investment, destination development, and the long-term prosperity of local communities. ASITA NTT highly appreciates the commitment of the Kupang Regency Government in placing quality, sustainability, and community empowerment at the heart of its tourism development strategy.”
Jony emphasized that the tourism industry requires a clear development roadmap to enable travel businesses to design tourism products, develop long-term marketing strategies, and encourage sustainable investment.
He noted that Kupang Regency has tremendous potential to become one of East Nusa Tenggara’s leading special interest tourism destinations by offering authentic experiences rooted in nature, culture, and local community life.
For many years, ASITA NTT members have promoted and facilitated visits to several of Kupang Regency’s most iconic destinations, including the Amarasi King’s Palace in Baun, the Sasando House in Oebelo, Crystal Cave in Bolok, Semau Island, the coastal areas of West Kupang, Teletubbies Hill, and the Timau National Observatory in Amfoang.
However, ASITA NTT believes that tourism development should prioritize improvements in the three fundamental tourism components—Attractions, Accessibility, and Amenities (the 3As)—to create higher-quality visitor experiences and encourage longer lengths of stay within the regency.
“Kupang Regency is blessed with extraordinary tourism resources. Our challenge is no longer identifying tourism potential, but transforming these assets into market-ready tourism products with strong competitive value. Strengthening attractions, improving accessibility, and developing quality amenities must go hand in hand if tourism is to become a true driver of regional economic growth.”
ASITA NTT also encourages Kupang Regency to position itself as a leading destination for special interest tourism, focusing on experiences that generate higher value for local communities. Potential development areas include glamping experiences in Amfoang, natural-dye weaving tourism, cultural and religious tourism, and ecotourism initiatives connected to conservation areas.
Furthermore, protected areas such as the Menipo Nature Tourism Park and the Sawu Sea Marine National Park should be integrated into community-based tourism initiatives to ensure that conservation efforts and local economic empowerment advance together.
ASITA NTT also emphasized the importance of identifying and establishing Regency Strategic Tourism Areas (KSPK) within the Tourism Master Plan in accordance with Indonesia’s tourism legislation. This will provide clear development priorities while ensuring alignment with the regency’s spatial planning framework.
“High-quality tourism begins with high-quality planning. We hope the Kupang Regency Tourism Master Plan becomes an implementation-oriented roadmap that defines clear development priorities, strengthens the region’s tourism identity, and provides certainty for investors and tourism businesses. Through strong collaboration between government, academia, industry, communities, and the media, I am confident that Kupang Regency can emerge as one of East Nusa Tenggara’s leading tourism destinations.”
DPD ASITA NTT reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the Kupang Regency Government through destination marketing, tourism product development, travel package creation, capacity-building programs for tourism businesses, and collaborative promotional initiatives with stakeholders to strengthen the region’s competitiveness in both domestic and international markets.
About DPD ASITA East Nusa Tenggara
The Regional Executive Board of the Association of the Indonesian Tours and Travel Agencies (DPD ASITA) East Nusa Tenggara is the official organization representing licensed travel agencies throughout East Nusa Tenggara Province. DPD ASITA NTT is committed to advancing professional, sustainable, inclusive, and globally competitive tourism by fostering collaboration among government institutions, the private sector, academia, local communities, and the media to create lasting economic opportunities and improve community well-being across the province.
Media Contact
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DPD ASITA Nusa Tenggara Timur (NTT)
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Location: Gorontalo Village, Komodo Sub Regency, West Manggarai Regency, Labuan Bajo, Flores Island, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
