PORTALJABAR, BANDUNG CITY - West Java Province won the international award for Most Promising Muslim-Friendly Region of the Year for its success in developing a Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem of global standards (June 18, 2026).

The award is given to the member region of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that shows the most promising development in the Muslim-friendly tourism sector.

This achievement is a global recognition of the West Java Provincial Government's efforts in providing comfortable and inclusive tourism services.

The assessment is based on the availability of Muslim-friendly facilities, government support, tourism industry readiness, and destination development innovation.

Head of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office, Iendra Sofyan, received the award at the Halal In Travel - Global Summit 2026 event in Singapore.

On that occasion, Iendra also explained West Java's strategy in developing a Muslim-friendly tourism sector to participants from various countries.

"I would like to express my gratitude to the tourism business players in West Java for their support. I also extend my gratitude to the people of West Java, the Governor of West Java, the Ministry of Tourism of the Republic of Indonesia, and of course, CrescentRating (the event initiator)," said Iendra.

According to him, this achievement is the result of joint work between the government, business actors, and the community in building competitive tourism.

"This award is dedicated to all tourists visiting West Java. It also serves to motivate the improvement and development of Muslim tourism in West Java, and of course, to support the national-level assessment. Please come to West Java Province. Thank you very much," he added.

The award received by West Java is included in the Global Muslim Travel Index Awards category which has an international reputation.

The category assesses the quality of destinations based on the Global Muslim Travel Index score compiled by Mastercard and CrescentRating.

The assessment covers various aspects, ranging from the quality of tourism services, destination comfort, to support for the needs of Muslim tourists.

This achievement is expected to increase tourist confidence in visiting West Java while also encouraging regional economic growth.

The development of Muslim-friendly tourism also opens up greater opportunities for hotel, restaurant, tourist destination, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) businesses.

This international recognition further strengthens West Java's position as one of Indonesia's leading Muslim-friendly tourist destinations.

(Rep pun/bhf)