Badung, 24 May 2024 – Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy/Head of the Tourism and Creative Economy Agency Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno expressed his appreciation for the "Quantum Temple-Water Civilization" program that was launched in April 2024 at Tirta Empul Temple. He said this program has led to an increase in quality and sustainable tourism.

"There has been an increase in visits as well as an increase in income (profit). This is triggered by the use of innovation and technology that focuses on cultural preservation. This is an effort to ensure that the Temple (Tirta Empul) is preserved for future generations," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga when attending the event titled "Water Civilization Impact to Cultural Heritage Preservation" in Bali, Wednesday, 22 May.

The "Water Civilization" program is a combination of installations, digital exhibitions, and training for tour guides of the Manukaya Let Traditional Village (the village where Tirta Empul Temple is located) supported by blockchain-based ticket infrastructure. This program is an innovative approach to overcome the problem of modest income from tourism circulating in the local economy.

Through this program, tourists will gain better understanding about Tirta Empul Temple, which is also a UNESCO world heritage site. Tourists are also introduced to the unique Melukat procession, which involves the local community.

"So, I think this shows that tourism, if managed with regenerative principles, will create not

only more jobs but also better quality and this is really needed by the community and this has become one of the site visits that we offer at the World Water Forum," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga.

Since its launch about 1.5 months ago, more than 500 tourists have participated and created business and job opportunities for the local community.

"We have discussed earlier so that this can become a benchmark for other sites. Not only in Bali but throughout Indonesia so that partnerships can be created and the impact of tourism can be increased more sustainably," said Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga.

Developing Local Potential

Meanwhile, the founder and CEO of Quantum Temple, Linda Adami, said that after native tour guides from Manukaya Let Village have received hospitality training and skills development, they will be able to develop various potentials to improve the economy afterwards.

"The training provided allows Manukaya Let tour guides to continue to maintain the knowledge gained from generation to generation, as well as continue to share comprehensive knowledge about the history of Tirta Empul and the Melukat procession, which is good for domestic and international tourists," said Linda.

Currently, tour guides trained by Quantum Temple are able to serve and reach foreign tourists from Asia, Australia, North America, South America and Europe.

Linda said that her party would also expand the program to other cultural sites in Indonesia. Expansion will begin at other sites in Gianyar Regency, Labuan Bajo and Borobudur.

Quantum Temple Operations Manager Dewa Noproyasa said native tour guides from the Manukaya Let Traditional Village earn a stable income that is at least three times higher than the minimum wage.

"It also has an impact on the temple operations. This program is able to provide better queue management and make visitors’ behaviour more orderly during the Melukat ritual,"said Dewa.

Also present to accompany Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy Sandiaga was Expert Staff for Crisis Management at the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, Fadjar Hutomo. (Burkom Kemenparekraf/TR/Elvira Inda Sari)

For further information, please contact:

Director General of Public Information and Communications, Ministry of Communications and Informatics – Usman Kansong (0816785320).

PCO 10th World Water Forum - Dede Ariwibowo (08111830020).

Get more information at https://infopublik.id/detik/world-water-forum and https://s.id/worldwaterforumpedia