Abstract This study investigates how Indonesia’s sustainable tourism policy framework supports national economic development and helps to lower world carbon emissions. Though it greatly harms the environment and carbon emissions, the tourist industry is a major engine of Indonesia’s GDP and job development. Using a qualitative approach and document analysis, this study examines major national regulations—namely Law No. 10 of 2009 on Tourism, Regulation of the Minister of Tourism No. 14 of 2016, and the National Action Plan for Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions (RAN-GRK)—to assess how Indonesia balances tourism-driven economic benefits with environmental protection. Themes reflecting the integration of sustainability ideas into tourism governance are also drawn out via content analysis. Case studies from Bali, Banyuwangi, and Labuan Bajo show how localised implementation, renewable energy use, and community-based waste management can lower carbon footprints while improving social welfare. Comparisons with approaches from Japan, Thailand, and Fiji draw attention to institutional changes and cooperative governance models. The results indicate that although the legal and institutional system in Indonesia is rather strong, significant issues still exist in policy enforcement, intersectoral coordination, and regional capacity differences. Key techniques the report suggests to promote low-carbon tourism are fiscal incentives, integrated spatial planning, carbon monitoring systems, public education, and international cooperation. Sustainable tourism thus becomes not simply a reaction to environmental concerns but also a strategy for inclusive and robust economic transformation. Indonesia’s experience can guide other lower income countries balancing environmental stewardship with development needs.
Hanani et al. (Mon,) studied this question.