FOR Dr. I Gede Arya Pering Arimbawa, a career in tourism has always been more than a professional journey — it is a lifelong mission to contribute to the growth of destinations across Indonesia. Among his many experiences, Makassar stands out as one of the defining milestones that shaped his perspective on sustainable tourism development in the country.
In this vibrant coastal city, Dr. Arya took part in various strategic initiatives alongside key stakeholders from the tourism industry. The series of in-depth discussions held in Makassar gave birth to new ideas about developing the tourism sector based on collaboration and local wisdom. It was from these dialogues that the foundational concept for the nine policy pillars of the South Sulawesi Tourism Promotion Board emerged — a framework later officially recognized by the national government.
Although officially a resident of Bali, Dr. Arya was entrusted with an important role in strengthening the foundation of tourism promotion in South Sulawesi. He was given extensive opportunities to provide training, seminars, and strategic mentoring for industry players and local government officials. Thanks to his open approach and genuine enthusiasm for sharing knowledge, the tourism community in South Sulawesi welcomed him warmly.
“What impressed me the most,” he recalls, “was how warmly they received me. Even though I’m not from South Sulawesi, they trusted me and gave me space to work together in developing regional tourism.”
From his experiences in Makassar, Dr. Arya developed a firm belief that Indonesia’s tourism can only progress through synergy and mutual trust between regions. Cross-regional collaboration, in his view, is not just a professional duty — it is an act of service to the nation.
It is in this spirit — where ideas, collaboration, and trust unite — that Dr. Arya continues to dedicate himself to driving Indonesian tourism toward a more competitive, sustainable, and character-driven future. **
By: Karolina, Edited By: Igo Kleden
