Jakarta (ANTARA) – Indonesia and South Africa have agreed to collaborate on developing seven strategic areas in tourism to promote sustainable growth and strengthen bilateral ties, Tourism Minister Widiyanti Putri Wardhana said on Thursday.“This meeting reflects both governments’ aspiration to deepen long-standing relations and advance bilateral tourism cooperation,” Widiyanti said at a press conference in Jakarta.She said the partnership aims to promote sustainable tourism development, based on equality, mutual benefit, and respect for each country’s sovereignty.The two countries identified seven strategic cooperation areas: sustainable tourism, human resource development, marketing and promotion, tourism investment, safety and service standards, research and development, and other tourism sector initiatives.South Africa shows potential in tourism, with 36,548 South African visitors traveling to Indonesia in 2025, according to Statistics Indonesia (BPS).“Signing this MoU will strengthen bilateral tourism cooperation and allow both countries to navigate a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient tourism future,” Widiyanti said.South African Tourism Minister Patricia De Lille welcomed Indonesia’s initiative to explore cooperation, particularly to enhance intercountry connectivity.De Lille expressed hope for more direct flights from South Africa to Indonesia, noting that around 3,000 Indonesians visited South Africa last year.“As part of this collaboration, we aim to increase flights from Indonesia to our country. Visitors will be warmly welcomed,” she said.During the event, the two ministers signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to formalize the tourism partnership.The signing followed closed bilateral discussions where delegations exchanged views on MoU progress, expected timelines, and cooperation areas to boost tourism flows, including visas, air connectivity, and joint promotion initiatives.