News
Indonesia boosts Catholic tourism on Flores Island and aims for economic growth
The Indonesian government is stepping up efforts to capitalize on the potential of Catholic religious tourism on Flores Island, often called “Mission Island.”
By LiCAS News
This initiative aims to increase the number of visitors, promote economic growth and preserve local culture through religious tourism.
In a report by The Jakarta Post, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga Uno emphasized the unique allure of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), particularly Flores Island.
He highlighted the island’s rich Catholic history and the harmonious inculturation between the Catholic Church and local culture as key attractions for religious tourists.
“Flores Island, in NTT, is known for its Catholic history and heritage. It is often called Mission Island. This island has enormous potential for religious tourism, especially through inculturation between the Catholic Church and the culture of the local community,” said Sandiaga.
He noted that this inculturation not only boosts religious pilgrimage tourism, but also promotes economic growth and cultural preservation.
To support tourism development, the government has included four annual events in the 2024 National Events Calendar, two of which focus on religion and culture: the Golokoe Festival in Labuan Bajo and the Bale Nagi Festival in Larantuka.
These events, together with regular Catholic religious and cultural festivals such as Semana Santa (Holy Week) and the Lembah Kisol Festival, are expected to attract more tourists to the region.
Bishop Siprianus Hormat of Ruteng echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that tourism must be rooted in local culture and spirituality.
“Tourism is essentially a pilgrimage, tracing the footsteps of God in the joyful encounter of humanity and the universe. Therefore, the Diocese of Ruteng has planned and continues to promote holistic tourism in the region known as Bumi Congka Sae. [the great Manggarai Earth] Flowers, characterized by spirituality”, he stated.
The growth of religious tourism in Indonesia is in line with the government’s broader strategy to diversify tourism products and promote economic growth through pilgrimage activities.
These activities stimulate service sectors such as hospitality, transport and local crafts, creating a ripple effect that benefits the entire community.
The Larantuka Easter Week celebration is the largest Catholic religious event in Indonesia, attracting thousands of pilgrims every year. In 2024, the event was attended by 23,123 pilgrims, a significant increase from pre-pandemic figures.
The development of Catholic religious tourism in Flores is rooted in the island’s history and heritage, with Catholic missionaries playing a crucial role in building educational foundations and promoting a quality workforce.
Martin Chen, director of the Pastoral Center of the Diocese of Ruteng, emphasized that the mission of the Church in Flores is humanitarian, focusing on education and health, along with spiritual enrichment.
The General Directorate of Guidance for the Catholic Community of the Ministry of Religious Affairs expressed its commitment to collaborate with the diocese to improve human resources and face challenges in the tourism sector.
The focus will be on improving attractions, accessibility and amenities to make Flores a privileged destination for Catholic religious tourism.
This article was originally published in https://www.licas.news/. All rights reserved. Unauthorized republication by third parties is not permitted.