Thursday, June 5, 2025
Indonesia and Cambodia have embarked on a strategic tourism partnership aimed at enhancing their cultural and tourism relations. This collaboration focuses on promoting iconic landmarks such as Angkor Wat and Borobudur, while also catering to the growing Muslim visitor market. With both countries recognizing the importance of cultural exchange and sustainable tourism, this partnership seeks to attract more international tourists, particularly from Indonesia, by offering unique travel experiences that highlight the rich history, diverse landscapes, and welcoming atmosphere of both nations. The initiative also includes making Cambodia more Muslim-friendly, with accessible halal food options and prayer facilities, ensuring that Indonesian visitors feel at home while exploring the Kingdom.
Strengthening Indonesia-Cambodia Tourism Relations: A New Era of Cultural and Travel Exchange
In a concerted effort to bolster cultural and tourism ties between Indonesia and Cambodia, Indonesian Ambassador to Cambodia, Santo Darmosumarto, has introduced several key initiatives aimed at enhancing Indonesian tourism to Cambodia. These initiatives emphasize the rich cultural offerings of Cambodia, aiming to make it a top destination for Indonesian travelers and further solidify the growing relationship between the two nations.
During a press conference on June 4, 2025, with the Club of Cambodian Journalists (CCJ), Ambassador Darmosumarto highlighted the flourishing cooperation between the two countries, with tourism being a focal point of their efforts. He emphasized that Cambodia offers unique travel experiences that resonate with Indonesian travelers, showcasing the diverse attractions, rich history, and cultural heritage of the Kingdom.
One of the most prominent initiatives discussed was the sister temple cooperation between two of Southeast Asia’s most iconic landmarks—Angkor Wat in Cambodia and Borobudur in Indonesia. This collaboration, formalized through a memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last year between Cambodia’s Apsara Authority and Indonesia’s Borobudur Authority, aims to jointly promote both temples as premier travel destinations. The partnership highlights the historical and cultural significance of these temples, which hold immense value not only to their respective countries but also to the global community.
By aligning the efforts to promote Angkor Wat and Borobudur together, both nations aim to elevate their visibility on the international stage, increasing tourism to both sites and ultimately contributing to the growth of the tourism sector in each country. The hope is that by highlighting the shared cultural heritage of these ancient temples, global visitors will be encouraged to explore these two monumental landmarks, which continue to fascinate travelers from all corners of the world.
Ambassador Darmosumarto also discussed Cambodia’s emerging potential as a tourist destination for Indonesian visitors. He pointed out Phnom Penh, the vibrant capital city of Cambodia, as an increasingly popular destination among Indonesians. Known for its dynamic culture, historical sites, and unique cuisine, Phnom Penh has become a must-visit spot for those seeking both a cultural and culinary adventure.
The ambassador specifically noted the Royal Palace in Phnom Penh, a symbol of Cambodia’s regal past, which attracts visitors from around the world. The palace’s striking architectural beauty, combined with its historical significance, makes it a key attraction for those seeking to immerse themselves in Cambodia’s rich heritage.
Another highlight of the ambassador’s address was Cambodia’s growing culinary appeal. Darmosumarto mentioned the popularity of dishes such as fish amok, a fragrant Cambodian curry, and beef loklak, a stir-fried beef dish, both of which have become favorites among Indonesian tourists. He also discussed the local delicacy of Kampot Durian, a unique variety of durian that has gained a dedicated following among Indonesian visitors due to its distinct taste and quality.
Cambodia’s broader tourism strategy has also focused on becoming more Muslim-friendly, making it an appealing destination for Indonesian travelers and tourists from other Muslim-majority countries, particularly those in the Middle East. A key component of this initiative is ensuring that Muslim tourists can enjoy their visit with access to halal food options and prayer facilities.
Ambassador Darmosumarto pointed out the growing availability of prayer rooms in shopping centers like Aeon Malls, which cater to the needs of Muslim travelers, offering them a welcoming environment during their stay in Cambodia. This initiative ensures that visitors can comfortably access facilities that cater to their religious practices, adding to the growing appeal of Cambodia as a Muslim-friendly destination.
In addition to promoting Cambodia’s key tourist attractions, the Ministry of Tourism has been working closely with the Indonesian embassy to boost Indonesian tourism during Cambodia’s “Green Season.” This season, which runs from May to October, is being actively promoted as an ideal time to visit, with its lush landscapes, cooler weather, and vibrant natural beauty.
Tourism Minister Huot Hak, during a meeting with Ambassador Darmosumarto on May 31, highlighted the country’s Green Season as an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience Cambodia’s stunning landscapes without the typical crowds. As part of the promotional efforts, the Ministry is collaborating with local tourism operators to offer discounts and packages, making the country more accessible to both domestic and international tourists.
This campaign includes special accommodations for Muslim travelers, ensuring that halal food options and prayer facilities are available at key tourist sites, further enhancing Cambodia’s appeal to visitors from Indonesia and other Muslim-majority countries.
Indonesia and Cambodia have launched a strategic tourism partnership to promote iconic landmarks like Angkor Wat and Borobudur, while catering to the growing Muslim visitor market. This initiative aims to enhance cultural exchange and attract more Indonesian tourists with unique travel experiences and Muslim-friendly amenities.
Through these initiatives, Cambodia is positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for Indonesian tourists, with a focus on culture, history, cuisine, and an inclusive environment that caters to a diverse range of travelers. As the collaboration between Indonesia and Cambodia continues to grow, both countries are poised to reap the benefits of strengthened tourism ties that will contribute to their respective economies and enhance their cultural exchange.
