In 2026, the definition of a top-tier travel destination is shifting. Beyond luxury hotels and iconic landmarks, cleanliness, sustainability, and smart urban management are now the hallmarks of quality tourism. This trend was reinforced at the ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award 2026, announced during the ASEAN Tourism Standards Awards in Cebu City, where Indonesia emerged as one of the strongest performers in Southeast Asia.
According to the official release, five Indonesian cities earned recognition for meeting ASEAN’s demanding standards on environmental management, waste control, urban planning, and visitor comfort—more than any other country represented at the event.
- Bukittinggi, West Sumatra
Bukittinggi stood out for preserving cleanliness across its most visited areas, including Jam Gadang, Ngarai Sianok, and the historic city center. Effective waste management, well-maintained green spaces, and strong community involvement helped reinforce its appeal as a cultural and nature-based destination. - Surakarta (Solo), Central Java
Surakarta demonstrated that vibrant cultural tourism does not have to come at the expense of environmental order. Clean public spaces around the royal palace, batik villages, and urban corridors, combined with integrated transport and tourism planning, became key strengths in the assessment. - Malang, East Java
Recognized for its orderly urban environment, Malang impressed with its clean public parks, visitor-friendly facilities, and consistent community-led sanitation programs. These efforts contribute to a comfortable atmosphere for both short stays and longer visits. - Gianyar, Bali
Home to cultural centers such as Ubud, Gianyar was praised for managing tourism growth while maintaining environmental balance. Strong waste management practices and a focus on preserving local culture helped the region stand out amid Bali’s high visitor numbers. - Tomohon, North Sulawesi
Tomohon earned its place as a clean and well-managed mountain destination. Judges highlighted the city’s commitment to protecting natural attractions, maintaining tidy public areas, and enforcing environmental standards at the local level.
While Indonesia dominated the list, other ASEAN countries also received recognition, including Vietnam, Philippines and Myanmar. Quy Nhon in Vietnam retained its status thanks to consistent coastal cleanliness and sustainable tourism development. Often compared to tropical island destinations, Ky Co Beach and the city’s historic towers showcase how environmental care can support tourism growth. In the Philippines, cities such as Iloilo City, City of Ilagan, and Tabuk City were noted for strong waste management systems and accessible public spaces. Myanmar’s Pindaya and Hpa-an were also recognized for maintaining clean natural and cultural sites.
All awarded cities were evaluated using seven key indicators, ranging from environmental policy and daily hygiene to green space, health and safety, and tourism infrastructure. Indonesia’s strong showing reflects a broader push toward cleaner, more sustainable urban tourism—one that positions the country at the forefront of ASEAN’s evolving travel landscape.
As regional tourism rebounds, Indonesia’s performance sends a clear signal: in the race to attract future travelers, clean cities are becoming the country’s strongest competitive advantage.
Source: Detik
Special Photo Credit: jawapos
