“I view fellow citizens working in the tourism industry as foreign exchange heroes because tourism generates foreign exchange earnings.
These professionals can help strengthen our foreign exchange reserves,” she said in Jakarta.
Speaking after attending a fun walk with alumni of the Bandung Tourism Polytechnic (NHI), Puspa recalled visiting various destinations across Indonesia, including tourism villages.
She said the visits allowed her to witness firsthand how tourism workers and local communities develop their regions’ potential.
She emphasized that everyone involved in tourism development, including hospitality workers, deserved recognition as heroes.
Puspa said the public should expand its definition of heroes beyond those who fought for Indonesia’s independence.
“We can broaden our perspective by viewing people working in the tourism sector as heroes of the nation,” she said.
She added that the Tourism Ministry had introduced the Local Hero in Tourism category under the Wonderful Indonesia Awards to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to tourism development nationwide.
Puspa highlighted the role of tourism workers ahead of Indonesia’s Heroes’ Day commemoration on Nov. 10.
Tantowi Yahya, chairman of the Bandung Tourism Polytechnic Alumni Association, supported her view, saying modern-day heroes were people who worked for the greater good.
“They fight against poverty, ignorance, and backwardness. Heroes are those who stand out and earn recognition from society,” he said.
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Translator: F.A. Nugraha, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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