The Makassar Tourism Polytechnic (Poltekpar) graduated 565 men and women ready to advance Indonesian tourism.
Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana, who attended the graduation ceremony at the Poltekpar Makassar Campus, South Sulawesi, on Saturday (September 20, 2025), expressed her congratulations and highest appreciation to the lecturers, parents, graduates, and all parties who have been part of this proud journey and achievement.
“Education is the key to preparing for the future. Today, you hold that key, the tools to open opportunities and embark on new journeys with confidence,” said Minister Widiyanti.
On this occasion, Minister Widiyanti revealed that Indonesian tourism is currently showing an extraordinary revival. In 2024, Indonesia will welcome 13.9 million international tourists, a 19 percent increase from 2024. By July 2025, 8.5 million tourists had been recorded, a 10 percent increase from the same period last year.
Meanwhile, domestic tourist arrivals in 2024 are expected to exceed 1 billion trips. By July 2025, the number of domestic tourist trips will increase by 19.25 percent compared to the same period last year.
“This growth represents a huge opportunity, but also a mandate. Future tourism is not just about the number of visits, but also about providing quality experiences, preserving nature and culture, and ensuring the benefits return to the community,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti.
Amidst these dynamics, the need for superior, adaptive, and globally competitive tourism human resources is increasingly needed. Tourism Polytechnic graduates are expected to master technical skills and possess leadership, cross-cultural communication, and high integrity.
“You are the new generation that will answer this need. You will be the driving force behind transformation and ensure that Indonesian tourism is competitive while providing real benefits to the community,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti.
Minister Widiyanti offered four messages to the graduates. First, never stop learning. The world is always changing, and only those who are willing to continue learning will lead change. Second, build networks and collaboration, because collaboration never stands alone.
Furthermore, maintain integrity. In any career, honesty and responsibility are the main foundations that will elevate dignity.
“And fourth, remember your cultural roots and homeland. Wherever you go, remain ambassadors for regional tourism, bringing the beautiful stories of Makassar, Sulawesi, and Indonesia to all corners of the world,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti.
“Be a generation with a global outlook, yet local at heart. A generation that is professionally successful, yet humble and devoted to the country. I believe that in your hands, Indonesian tourism will become increasingly competitive, sustainable, and global,” said Tourism Minister Widiyanti.
Ridho Raditya Putra, a representative of the Diploma 3 Travel and Tourism Program graduates, expressed his gratitude for the support of his colleagues and lecturers who provided opportunities and provided positive and valuable experiences, such as serving as a sign language tour guide.
Ridho, a deaf student who successfully graduated from the Makassar Tourism Polytechnic, also encouraged his fellow graduates to remain optimistic in pursuing their dreams. He reminded them that kindness and understanding can be a way to overcome communication barriers.
“To all my friends, never feel discouraged. Our journey is still long. Remember your dreams. They are waiting for us. May we all be accepted and given the same opportunities as others. And may language not only be a form of communication, but also proof that the language of kindness can be accepted by deaf and deaf friends,” said Ridho.
The graduates who graduated on this occasion were from the Diploma 3 Program, which consists of eight study programs: 46 students from the Rooms Division; 61 students from Catering; 66 people participated in Culinary Arts; 64 in Tourism; 89 in Convention and Event Management; 95 in Travel Business; 65 in Hotel Management; and 79 in Tourism Destinations.
Also present at the event were the Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism, Bayu Aji; the Deputy for Resources and Institutions of the Ministry of Tourism, Martini Mohamad Paham; the Director of Makassar Tourism Polytechnic, Herry Rachmat Widjaja; the Director of Bali Tourism Polytechnic, Ida Bagus Putu Puja; the Director of Lombok Tourism Polytechnic, Ali Muhtasom; and past Directors of Makassar Tourism Polytechnic.
Also present were the Mayor of Makassar, Munafri Arifuddin; the Head of the