The 2023 Toraja and Beyond Festival builds a joint commitment to “Make Toraja Great Again”

Toraja, June 28, 2023.

The Toraja Tourism Board, in collaboration with TEPANAS (National Tourism Friends), partnered with Toraja Christian University (UKI Toraja), Pelita Harapan University (UPH), and Masata Toraja Utara to organize the 2nd Toraja and Beyond Tourism Festival 2023 (TBTF). This event aims to promote Toraja as a leading tourist destination in Indonesia. The festival consists of five activities: Toraja Travel Mart, Visits by Ambassadors of Friendly Nations, World Dance Day - Toraja Tells Stories, Workshop for the Launch of Tourism Studies, and Coffee Plantation Management Program at UKI Toraja.

Mr. Dr. H. Sandiaga Salahudin Uno, B.B.A., M.B.A., Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy of the Republic of Indonesia, extends appreciation to the Toraja Tourism Board and the National Friends of Creative Economy (TEPANAS) for their enthusiasm in developing the tourism sector through the organization of the 2nd Toraja & Beyond Tourism Festival, scheduled to take place from June 24th to 27th, 2023, in Toraja, South Sulawesi Province.

"I hope this event serves as a platform for promotion, showcasing the potential of tourism and creative economic products to positively impact Toraja's economy and community welfare, as well as to create extensive job opportunities, particularly in Tana Toraja and North Toraja. May this event run smoothly and serve as a catalyst to revitalize the tourism and creative economy sectors, contributing to the national economic recovery," stated the Minister in his offline address, energetically shouting "Meoli Ko Mii" and "Kuree Sumanga." 

Representing the Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Ibu Ni Made Ayu Marthini, the Deputy Marketing Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, and HE Ouadia Benabdellah, the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco, graced Toraja with their presence. HE Ouadia Benabdellah also serves as the coordinator of ambassadors and the Dean of Ambassadors. These esteemed guests were in awe during their three-day visit to Toraja, where they explored various captivating destinations, namely Kete Kesu Tourism Village (Rambu Solo Ceremony), the "Negeri di Atas Awan" To'tombi, Landorundun Tourism Village, Sapak Bayo-Bayo, Kole Sawangan Tourism Village, Buntu Burake, Nonongan Tourism Village, and Lemo and Londa.

In her address, Ibu Ni Made Ayu Marthini, SIP., MSc, the Deputy Marketing Minister of the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, expressed her appreciation for the efforts made by the Toraja Tourism Board in bringing together various stakeholders in Toraja to revitalize tourism in South Sulawesi, especially Toraja, as a cultural-based destination for international visitors.

"I'm truly amazed. Until now, I've only seen Toraja on TV, in books, and in magazines. But now, I have the opportunity to witness the incredible tourism potential firsthand. I hope that Toraja can become a dependable destination because it's truly unique and unlike anything else," exclaimed Ibu Made.

After an exciting meeting with tourism stakeholders and witnessing Toraja's incredible potential, Ibu Made and the team have come together with a fantastic commitment: "Make Toraja Great Again!" The goal is to bring back Toraja as a top-notch destination, just like it used to be after Bali. We're going to showcase its rich culture, breathtaking natural beauty, and the amazing religious tourism opportunities it offers.

Mr. Ir. William Sabandar, M.Eng.Sc., Ph.D., Chairman of the Toraja Tourism Board's Council of Directors, couldn't contain his excitement as he expressed gratitude to the Ambassador of Morocco and the Deputy Marketing Director, who are all set to support Toraja's tourism marketing efforts. 

He also thanked the support from travel agents under ASITA and ASTINDO, who have been an integral part of this program to revive tourism in Toraja.

We're pumped up about this commitment, and we can't wait to show the world the wonders of Toraja. So, get ready for an adventure of a lifetime and join us as we embark on this journey to make Toraja shine brighter than ever!

Mr. Panca R Sarungu, SE., MM., CTE, the Chief Community Officer of TEPANAS (aka the National Squad for Creative Economy) and also the Chairperson of the TBTF 2023 (Toraja & Beyond Tourism Festival) Organizing Committee happily welcomes the deal: epic lineup of events with full support from the diaspora, aiming to showcase the mind-blowing beauty of nature, culture, and traditions of Toraja. 

And there's more! We're also rocking the scene by giving mad props to the local micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (UMKM) and the creative economy champions in Tana Toraja and North Toraja. We're all about that unity, folks!

Picture this: Toraja as one destination, under one management, carrying the swaggy tagline of "Toraja Heavenly Experience." It's all about coming together, taking joint steps towards a common goal. Let's make it happen, squad!

If you need more deets or have burning questions, hit up our rockstar Wahyu Nayif at 08515600460 or drop him an email at [email protected]. He's got you covered!

Get ready to rock Toraja, young globetrotters of the world. It's gonna be legendary!