The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University held a Discussion Forum “Strengthening Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Destinations”.

The Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy in collaboration with the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University held a discussion forum entitled “Strengthening Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Destinations” on Thursday, April 4, 2024 at the Postgraduate Auditorium of Fikom Unpad. This discussion forum is an effort to strengthen Muslim-friendly tourism in tourism destinations. This discussion forum invited various experts in the field of tourism, as well as the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, Sandiaga Uno, as a speaker.

The discussion forum was opened by the MC, followed by a prayer by Mr. Dr. Heru Rianto Budiana, Sag., Msi., then continued with remarks from the Deputy for Infrastructure Development, Head of the Culture and Tourism Office, and Special Staff from the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy. The event continued with a keynote speech from Sapta Nirwandar as Chairman of the Indonesia Halal Lifestyle Center which discussed halal hospitality abroad and global halal tourism services.

The first session discussion was themed “Direction and Policy of Muslim Friendly Tourism Development.” The discussion was guided by the moderator, Dr. Efi Fadilah, S.Sos., M.Pd., who is a researcher at the Faculty of Communication Sciences, Padjadjaran University. There were three panelists in the discussion session 1, namely:

1. Dessy Ruhati as Deputy for Strategic Policy, discussed “Policies and Strategies in the Development of Muslim Friendly Tourism”.
2. Dadang Rahmat Hidayat, who is the Dean of the Faculty of Communication, Padjadjaran University, discussed “Communication Strategies in Increasing Literacy about Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Villages”.
3. R. Wisnu Rahtomo, who is a Lecturer at Poltekpar NHI Bandung, discussed “Muslim Friendly Ecosystems in Tourism Villages”.

After the discussion of session 1, there was a sharing session that discussed the importance of halal certification in Indonesia and the world, mandatory halal synergy in 3000 tourist villages, and halal tourism village pilot projects in Indonesia. There were three speakers in the sharing session, namely:

1. Rina Indiastuti, Rector of Padjadjaran University
2. Muhammad Aqil Irham, Head of the Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH) – Ministry of Religious Affairs
3. Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy

In session 2, the discussion focused on “Opportunities and Challenges of Muslim-Friendly Tourism in Tourism Villages”. The discussion was led by moderator Firstman Marpaung, who is the Coordinator of Creative Economy Acceleration & Digitalization, Bandung Regency. There were four panelists in the session 2 discussion, namely:

1. Wendiansyah, who is the Head of Pokdarwis Alamendah Village, Bandung Regency, discussed the “Potential of Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Villages”.
2. Abdul Syakur, who is the Head of the Center for Halal Cooperation and Standardization, Halal Product Guarantee Agency (BPJPH), discussed Halal Certification for Products / Services in Tourism Villages.
3. Aan Yugiastomo as Director of Business and Digital Ecosystem Development, Istiqlal Global Fund, discussed “The Role of Digital Industry in Strengthening Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Villages”.
4. Maulidan Isbar as Chairman of the West Java Tourism Village Association, discussed “Digitalization of Tourism Villages as a New Sustainable Economy”.

After the presentation of the discussion and question and answer session, conclusions and recommendations were delivered by Bambang Cahyo Murdoko who is the Director of Destination Development 2. During the discussion, the audience asked questions to the panelists and speakers so that the discussion was active. Furthermore, the discussion forum event “Strengthening Muslim Friendly Tourism in Tourism Destinations” was closed by the master of ceremony by conducting a documentation session. (JJC)