Bali and France Strengthen Tourism Ties for Growth

Indonesia has seen a significant week in diplomacy with visits from leaders of China and France. These meetings have strengthened international ties and led to new agreements focused on growing Indonesia’s tourism sector. Bali, one of the country’s top destinations, is expected to benefit greatly from these partnerships.

On May 28, 2025, Indonesia and France signed a Memorandum of Understanding to enhance cultural cooperation. This agreement highlights the commitment to protect cultural heritage and develop human resources in tourism. The signing took place at Jakarta’s Merdeka Palace, symbolizing a renewed effort to link culture and tourism.

During the visit, the French delegation toured Indonesia’s key cultural sites, including the National Museum in Jakarta and the Borobudur Temple in Magelang. Discussions were held to improve tourism infrastructure and workforce skills, aiming to support sustainable growth in visitor numbers and quality.

One important outcome from the “Joint Vision 2050” talks was the announcement of Gastronomy Week as a shared cultural event. Indonesia has hosted French Gastronomy Week since 2023, and now Indonesian culinary traditions will be showcased annually in France. This exchange is expected to deepen cultural appreciation and expand culinary tourism for both countries.

Indonesia is also investing heavily in Bali to preserve its culture and natural environment. Improvements include upgrades to transportation, road networks, and waste management systems. The goal is to balance tourism growth with the well-being of local communities and maintain Bali’s reputation as a world-class destination.

Alongside growing relations with France, Indonesia is strengthening ties with China. While European tourists continue to visit Bali in greater numbers, Indonesian leaders are keen to attract more Chinese visitors. Data from early 2025 shows about 279,040 Chinese tourists came to Indonesia for leisure. This increase emphasizes the need for diverse tourism infrastructure.

The recent diplomatic efforts with France and China reflect Indonesia’s strategy to become a leading travel destination. By focusing on culture, infrastructure, and tourism promotion, Indonesia aims to enhance its appeal while protecting its unique heritage and environment. Bali and other regions remain central to this sustainable tourism vision.