International Conference in Indonesia Explores Catholicism, Culture, and the Future of Asian Tourism

The Catholic University of Indonesia, Saint Paul Ruteng, has officially opened an international conference on the theme “Questioning Tourism: The Role of Catholicism in Asian Tourism.” 

The event brings together academics, Church leaders, and government officials from Indonesia and abroad and will run until September 20.  

The conference aims to reflect on how Catholic faith and local culture can shape a more inclusive and sustainable approach to tourism in Asia.

In his opening address, the university’s Rector, Dr. Agustinus Manfred Habur, Lic. Theol., underlined that tourism should not be seen merely as an economic driver but as a faith-based initiative that fosters human development. 

“When rooted in respect, faith, and collaboration, tourism can trigger growth not only in the economy but also in education, healthcare, agriculture, and cultural preservation,” he said.

Manggarai Regent Heribertus G.L. Nabit, S.E., M.A., stressed that Manggarai’s uniqueness lies not only in its scenic beauty but also in the blending of Catholic heritage with local traditions.

 “About 95% of Manggarai’s 329,000 residents are Catholic. This creates a unique characteristic that can serve as a strength in promoting tourism rooted in cultural and religious values,” he explained.

Vicar General of Ruteng Diocese, Fr. Sebastian Hobohana, SVD, affirmed the Church’s readiness to support tourism that aligns with its mission. He also announced a series of celebrations for World Tourism Day 2025 in Manggarai, including a cultural festival in Labuan Bajo. 

“The presence of international participants is a blessing for us as we seek new perspectives on how the Church should respond to the realities of tourism,” he noted.

Anthropologist Dr. Maribeth Erb of the National University of Singapore offered a critical reminder about the rapid growth of tourism in Labuan Bajo. While acknowledging the job opportunities it creates, she warned of the risks of unchecked expansion.

“If not managed wisely, tourism risks becoming another extractive industry that harms local communities. The Church must go beyond promoting Catholic identity in tourism and ensure it does not turn into a new form of exploitation, as happened with mining in the past,” she cautioned.

Deputy Regent of East Manggarai, Tarsisius Sjukur, S.S., called on St. Paul Ruteng Catholic University to establish a tourism study program to empower local human resources. “Tourism is a sector that can bring real change to our communities. With academic support, we can develop tourism destinations professionally and sustainably,” he said.

The opening session concluded with reflections from Initiative for the Study of Asian Catholics (ISAC) Coordinator, Dr. Michel Chambon, who recalled that the very concept of tourism traces back to the 17th-century Grand Tour of English nobles, who often traveled to Italy and Catholic heritage sites. 

“The link between Catholicism and tourism is not only a European reality but also an Asian one. To this day, Italy and Southern Europe remain top destinations for Asia’s elite,” he observed.

The ceremony ended with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ISAC and St. Paul Ruteng Catholic University, marking a commitment to future collaboration in the field of Catholic-inspired tourism.