Official Expects Exchange Students to Boost Seribu Islands Tourism

Jakarta, Indonesianpost.com – Retrieved from Antara, The Seribu Islands District Tourism and Creative Economy Office in Jakarta is hopeful that foreign exchange students will help promote the islands and increase the number of international tourists visiting the region.

The tourism office invited students who received the Indonesian Art and Culture Scholarship (IACS) from the Foreign Ministry this year to visit the Seribu Islands and experience its rich culture and tourism offerings.

“We hope that by providing them with a positive experience, they will gain a deeper understanding of Indonesia. With this understanding, they can share positive stories about our country, especially the Seribu Islands,” said Sonti Pangaribuan, head of the region’s Tourism and Creative Economy Office, during a visit to Pramuka Island on Monday.

As part of the program, the exchange students visited historical sites such as Onrust Island and spent time on Pramuka and Sepa islands. They also participated in environmental activities like mangrove planting, turtle releases, and coral transplanting to ensure their visit made a positive impact on the local ecosystem.

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“We encouraged them to share their experiences on social media to spread awareness,” Pangaribuan added.

The tourism official expressed her hope that the IACS participants would promote the Seribu Islands and its unique attractions once they return to their home countries.

“We want them to showcase all that Indonesia has to offer, especially the Seribu Islands, demonstrating that Jakarta is home to beautiful islands as well,” Pangaribuan said.

The Seribu Islands have seen a steady increase in tourist visits during long holidays, such as the three-day Islamic New Year holiday from June 27 to 29, 2025, when a total of 12,339 domestic and international tourists visited the area. (BL)