Indonesia
Malang – The Director of Postgraduate Program at UNISMA, Prof. M. Mas’ud Said, MM., Ph.D., has called on young people particularly cultural ambassadors to take an active role in promoting religious tourism across East Java.
He delivered the message during a capacity-building program for Cultural and Religious Tourism Ambassadors organized by the East Java Office of Culture and Tourism (Disbudpar), in collaboration with Ikatan Sarjana Nahdlatul Ulama Jawa Timur (ISNU East Java), at Aliante Hotel Malang on November 19–20, 2024.
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“I encourage cultural and tourism ambassadors of East Java to consistently promote the region’s tourism potential,” Prof. Mas’ud Said stated, underscoring the strategic role of youth in showcasing the province’s rich religious and cultural heritage. He noted that religious tourism remains one of East Java’s strongest attractions, drawing visitors from across Indonesia and abroad.
Prof. Mas’ud further highlighted the province’s vast tourism assets, spanning approximately 47,000 square kilometers and encompassing diverse cultural landscapes from the Mataraman region to Madura.
“East Java’s tourism potential is strongly supported by its heritage mosque complexes and the tombs of revered Islamic saints, which attract large numbers of pilgrims,” he explained. He added that mosques carry irreplaceable historical value as enduring centers of Islamic civilization.
In her report, Dra. Susiati, MM, representing the East Java Office of Culture and Tourism, stated that the program forms part of a community-based empowerment initiative.
The Head of the Cultural Affairs Division explained that the activity aims to strengthen the capacity of young generations to manage and promote religious tourism potential within their respective regions.
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Following its official opening by the Chair of ISNU East Java, the program featured several expert speakers. Riadi Ngasiran opened the session with a presentation on the synergy between religious tourism and cultural wealth, followed by a public speaking workshop led by Dawud, Secretary of ISNU East Java.
Subsequent sessions included a presentation by Zainul Abidin Jufry, MM, introducing the concept of the Halal Lifestyle, and a closing session by Aliyul Murtadlo, who shared insights on digital content creation as a strategic tool for tourism promotion.
