PORTALJABAR, DEPOK CITY - The West Java Provincial Government is holding the Smiling West Java-Muslim Friendly Tourism (SWJ-MFT) Award 2026, to encourage district/city governments and business actors to implement Muslim-friendly tourism standards.

The activity was combined with the launch of the West Java National Tourism Development Index (IPKN) data portal.

This year, there are eight categories in the SWJ-MFT Award, namely:
1. Best Muslim-Friendly Tourism Regency/City
2. Best Muslim Friendly Hotels
3. Best Muslim Friendly Restaurants
4. Best Muslim-Friendly Natural Tourist Attractions
5. Best Muslim-Friendly Cultural Heritage Tourism Attractions
6. Best Muslim-Friendly Artificial Tourist Attractions
7. Best Muslim-Friendly Tourist Village
8. Best Muslim-Friendly Mall

West Java Deputy Governor Erwan Setiawan hopes that this activity will run smoothly and produce the best results and have a positive impact on the development of Muslim-friendly tourism in West Java.

He also expressed his appreciation for the launch of the 2026 Smiling West Java-Muslim Friendly Tourism (SWJ-MFT) Award and the West Java National Tourism Development Index (IPKN) data portal.

"Today's tourism cannot be managed in the old way, but must be built with strong data, appropriate policies, broad collaboration, and an inclusive approach," said the Deputy Governor at the launch of the 2026 SWJ-MFT Award at the At-Thohir Mosque in Depok City on Thursday (July 9, 2026).

He believes the West Java Provincial Government's steps through the SWJ-MFT and IPKN West Java are highly appropriate and visionary. These two agendas complement each other, with one strengthening the quality of the Muslim-friendly tourism ecosystem and the other strengthening standardized, verified, and integrated tourism data governance.

"West Java has extraordinary tourism potential, beautiful natural scenery, rich culture, friendly people, and continuously developing infrastructure. This is a significant asset that must be managed intelligently," he explained.

However, potential alone is not enough. A system is needed to harness that potential to make West Java's tourism competitive.

The Deputy Governor emphasized that the launch of the West Java IPKN repository is an important step to ensure that tourism development has a strong, accurate, and accountable data base.

"With good data, we can plan more accurately, control programs more effectively, evaluate achievements more objectively, and open up more convincing investment opportunities," explained the Deputy Governor.

Meanwhile, Head of the West Java Province Tourism and Culture Office, Iendra Sofyan, said that the SWJ-MFT Award aims to improve Muslim-friendly standards for infrastructure in tourist destinations.

"This activity is not just an awards event, but also a momentum to improve standards through mentoring and intensive training workshops related to hospitality," said Iendra.

The Department of Tourism and Culture continues to develop innovations related to the development of Muslim-friendly tourism. Furthermore, accessibility aspects are being continuously developed and improved.

Outreach has also been conducted through mass media broadcasts and social media publications. The West Java Provincial Government, along with tourism associations, has collaborated on developing travel guides and exclusive tour packages specifically designed for the comfort of Muslim travelers.

These efforts are necessary because 97 percent of West Java's population is Muslim. Furthermore, many foreign tourists from Malaysia, Singapore, and Middle Eastern countries demand Muslim-friendly tourism.

Religious tourism

Not only that, transportation infrastructure (rest areas) and worship-based religious tourism (tourism-concept mosques) will be developed.

The At Thohir Mosque will be designated as a religious tourism destination in West Java Province. Additionally, plans are underway to develop the Km 88 Rest Area to meet Muslim-friendly tourism standards, including infrastructure and halal cuisine. Innovation is also being implemented in the form of digitalization.

At the same location, Acting Deputy for Destination and Infrastructure Development at the Ministry of Tourism, Reza Pahlevi, expressed his appreciation to the West Java Provincial Government for the launch of the 2026 Smiling West Java-Muslim Friendly Tourism (SWJ-MFT) Award and the West Java National Tourism Development Index (IPKN) data portal.

"This can inspire other regions to create good destinations, especially for Muslim tourists," he said.

Depok Deputy Mayor Chandra Rahmansyah emphasized that Muslim-friendly tourism is not intended to restrict tourism but to provide safety and comfort for tourists. Furthermore, it strengthens the priority of beautiful, safe, comfortable, inclusive, and world-class destinations in West Java.

WEST JAVA PUBLIC RELATIONS
Head of the Communication and Information Service of West Java Province
Adi Komar