Prof. Ir. Bakti Setiawan M.A., Ph.D., commonly known as Prof. Bobi, served as a speaker in the Knowledge Sharing event on Tuesday, December 2, 2025. The event was organized by P.T. Sarana Multi Infrastruktur and provided valuable insights into the development of tourism and airport operations in Indonesia. Prof. Bobi presented a lecture titled “Tourism and Airport Operations in Indonesia: Current Condition and Its Prospect (Special Case in Heritage Tourism).”
In his introduction, Prof. Bobi emphasized that tourism holds significant potential for economic growth, equitable development, and poverty alleviation. The aspects of hospitality and creativity are increasingly critical in this industry. In addition, transportation facilities such as airports, seaports, and terminals play a vital role, with accessibility being a key factor in the growth of tourism in any region.
Prof. Bobi outlined the concept of Tourism as an Industry using the 5A approach: Attraction, Accessibility, Accommodation, Activity, and Amenity. He highlighted the importance of understanding the three main elements in tourism: Supply (destinations, attractions, transportation), Demand (visitors/tourists), and Intermediaries (agents or tour operators). The dynamics of demand also need to be considered, including tourists’ socio-cultural and economic backgrounds, preferences, and specific needs.
A major focus of the presentation was Heritage Tourism. Prof. Bobi explained that cultural heritage can be classified as tangible (objects, buildings, sites, and areas) and intangible (traditions, daily life, and special events). From the supply side, for example in Yogyakarta, there are historical buildings such as the Kraton, museums, and traditional markets. The intangible side is rich with performances like wayang shows and various art festivals. Successful conservation relies heavily on protection, development, utilization, and creative innovation.
Prof. Bobi also highlighted the strong demand potential for heritage tourism. Factors driving this include the growth of the global middle class, young generations’ interest in heritage fueled by social media, increasing global connectivity, and easier cross-border tourism. He stressed several key steps to develop tourism as an industry, including preservation, Historic Urban Landscape management, integration with urban regeneration, use of instruments like KLHS, AMDAL, and HIA, and ensuring the well-being of local communities through collaboration and new approaches such as PPP and Community-Based Tourism (CBT).
In conclusion, Prof. Bobi emphasized the importance of synergy between tourism and cultural heritage preservation. Heritage tourism is seen as a growing trend that respects cultural sites, but it still requires innovative mitigation of tourism impacts. Urban planning and infrastructure development, including airports as crucial entry points, can serve as effective tools to create this synergy and ensure sustainable tourism.
The material presented by Prof. Bobi is closely related to and supports SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth) through tourism development; SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) through heritage tourism management; SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) through environmentally friendly tourism practices; and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals) through collaboration among government, communities, and the private sector. This demonstrates that tourism development can have sustainable social, economic, and environmental impacts. With this approach, tourism not only benefits the economy but also strengthens cultural preservation and the well-being of local communities.
Reported by Rindi Dwi Cahyati
