OVER the past two decades, the name Dr. I Gede Arya Pering Arimbawa, S.E., S.Tr.Par., M.Si., M.Tr.Par., CHA, CHIA has become synonymous with the advancement of Indonesia’s tourism development. Widely recognized among hospitality professionals, Dr. Arya Pering is not only a leader behind the management desk but also a hands-on mentor, educator, and inspiration for tourism practitioners across the archipelago.
As President of the Indonesian Hotel General Manager Association (IHGMA), Dr. Arya Pering leads the organization with a spirit of collaboration and a strong national vision. Under his leadership, IHGMA has gone beyond strengthening the competencies of hotel General Managers — it has become a bridge connecting industry, government, and academia in pursuit of a sustainable and globally competitive tourism ecosystem.
Dr. Arya’s influence is felt across Indonesia’s diverse regions. Frequently invited as a speaker, mentor, and consultant, he plays an active role in regional tourism development programs. In every forum, he emphasizes the importance of harmony between development, local culture, and community empowerment — a philosophy that guides his work and advocacy.
His initiatives range from hospitality leadership training and the formulation of national competency standards to supporting promotional programs for key destinations across various provinces. One of his notable contributions is encouraging emerging destinations to embrace digital transformation and sustainable tourism trends.
With his extensive experience, unwavering dedication, and commitment to the true values of hospitality, Dr. I Gede Arya Pering Arimbawa continues to shape the nation’s tourism landscape — not only by building the industry but also by inspiring a new generation to nurture Indonesian tourism with heart and vision.
For Dr. Arya Pering, a career in tourism is more than a personal journey — it is a mission to contribute to regions across Indonesia. Among his many experiences, Makassar stands out as a turning point that shaped his perspective on sustainable tourism development.
In this vibrant city, Dr. Arya actively engaged in strategic collaborations with key tourism stakeholders. The intense discussions held there sparked a wave of innovative ideas on how to develop tourism based on collaboration and local wisdom. From these dialogues emerged the conceptual foundation for the nine key policy elements of the South Sulawesi Tourism Promotion Board — a framework later formally recognized by the government.
Although a native of Bali, Dr. Arya was entrusted with a crucial role in strengthening tourism promotion in South Sulawesi. He was given the opportunity to conduct training programs, seminars, and strategic mentorship for industry players and local government officials. His open-minded approach and genuine willingness to share knowledge earned him a warm welcome from the local tourism community.
“What touched me the most,” he recalls, “was how welcoming they were. Even though I’m not from South Sulawesi, they trusted me and gave me space to help build their regional tourism.”
This experience in Makassar deepened his conviction that Indonesia’s tourism can only thrive through synergy and mutual trust among regions. Cross-regional collaboration, for him, is not merely professional work — it is a genuine act of service to the nation.
It is within this spirit of trust, cooperation, and shared purpose that Dr. Arya continues to help shape a tourism movement that is competitive, inclusive, and deeply rooted in Indonesia’s cultural identity. **
By: Karolina, Edited By: Igo Kleden
